 The new striping pattern on Oregon 42 east of Coquille includes two eastbound lanes (left), one westbound lane and a center turn lane. The new traffic pattern will help improve safety and make it easier for drivers to make left turns. After a seven-month test period, the changes will be made permanent later this spring. ODOT PHOTO
ODOT NEWS RELEASE:
Center turn lane on Oregon 42 east of Coquille will be made permanent
April 5, 2022
COQUILLE -- After a seven-month test period, the Oregon Department of Transportation will make the new traffic pattern on Oregon 42 east of Coquille permanent this spring.
The old highway pattern included two lanes in each direction between Adams Street and the southeast Finley Loop intersection. Vehicles attempting to make left turns had to slow down in a travel lane and wait for a gap in oncoming traffic. This increased the potential for rear-end crashes.
When contractors paved this three-mile section of highway last August, they removed one westbound lane and converted it into a continuous center turn lane. This allows vehicles to exit the travel lanes before turning left. These turn lanes can help prevent many rear-end crashes.
The new striping pattern provides other safety benefits, such as creating space for new and improved bike lanes, and helping to reduce the speed of westbound traffic entering Coquille.
ODOT initially planned to make the changes temporary, giving the local community an opportunity to test drive the new pattern and provide feedback. More than 6,000 vehicles travel this area each day.
A total of 17 individuals submitted public comments since last August. Eleven voiced support for the new pattern, suggesting that the changes make it easier and safer to make left turns. The other six pointed out problems they observed, such as added congestion and slower speeds.
All of these comments have been forwarded to ODOT’s traffic engineers for analysis. Several changes have been made to accommodate the concerns that were raised. We want to thank everyone who submitted comments and helped us in this process.
The striping changes did not add any significant cost to the $6.5 million Oregon 42 Cedar Point Road to Finley Loop project since pavement markings are required for every paving project.
For more information, visit the project website www.Coquille42.com or contact ODOT Public Information Officer Dan Latham at 541-817-5200 or Dan.Latham@odot.oregon.gov.
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