Athena, Oregon Speed Traps

Speed limit is 55, but average speed driven is 60-65 because it’s a relatively straight rural highway through wheat fields. However, in a two mile span in front of a small town (Athena) the speed drops to 50. If going from north to south (Walla Walla WA to Pendlton OR), the road goes over a rise and turns slightly, so the driver may be focused on the road and NOT see the 50mph signs. Oregon Highway Patrol waits at the beginning of this 2 mile – 50MPH zone and pulls people over. If the speed limit didn’t drop, most travelers wouldn’t be going fast enough to warrant/justify a speeding ticket. The area needs a flashing light to draw attention to the 5 mile drop in speed if they are serious about slowing people down.