Salem clears campers from underneath Marion Street bridge

SALEM, Ore. — The city of Salem is clearing out a homeless camp underneath the Marion Street Bridge and asking volunteers to stop providing meals and charitable donations.

Earlier this week a team from the city and volunteer agencies put up notices asking the campers to leave the area by Tuesday, Jan. 15.

Between 30 and 70 people have set up camp under the bridge.

The city says the area is no longer safe.

"There's been some physical hazards for the campers. We've had numerous assaults and drug-related crimes in that area," said Lt. Treven Upkes with the Salem Police Department.

When the city returns next week, volunteers from several support agencies will join them, including the Mental Health Response Team and Northwest Human Services Team to provide a free shuttle to clinics.