Salem Hospital Taking Steps to Alleviate Traffic Congestion

Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - Due to both the success of Salem Hospital's valet parking service and the needs of construction, the traffic pattern on Oak Street SE has been changed.

Drivers wishing to enter the turnaround in front of the Center for Outpatient Medicine, at 875 Oak Street SE, now need to enter from the east. left turns are no longer permitted at that location.

The easiest route to all parking on the Salem Hospital campus is by turning north on Capitol Street SE, from Mission Street SE.

Drivers wishing to enter the Center for Outpatient Medicine turnaround can then turn left onto Oak Street SE from Capitol Street SE.

Drivers can easily travel through campus on the new shuttle van. The shuttle-van stop is on the Capitol Street SE side of the remaining parking garage.

The lift-equipped shuttle seats 25 people and runs weekdays, 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM.

Its route includes the garage, the Family Birth Center, the Center for Outpatient Medicine, and the hospital. Trips typically take less than seven minutes. It's an easy way to ensure people get to their appointments on time.

The change to a no-left-turn lane on Oak Street SE was made to alleviate traffic back ups on Oak and Winter Streets SE caused by drivers wishing to use the popular valet parking service, or dropping off or picking up patients.

The valet parking service remains available.

People who have difficulty walking are encouraged to use valet parking.

Other drivers are encouraged to try out the new shuttle van on their next visit to the hospital.