Short delays anticipated on OR 126W between Florence and Eugene

 

May 30, 2012                                                        For more information: Rick Little (541) 726-2442

05-132-R2                                                             email at: mailto:richard.little@odot.state.or.us

                                                                          

 

Hazard tree removal to create lane restriction on OR 126W

 

VENETA— A contractor for ODOT will remove hazard trees from ODOT Right of Way and the Siuslaw National Forest beginning this week, creating a single lane restriction and short delays for motorists travelling OR 126W (Florence-Eugene Hwy).

 

On Wednesday and Thursday, May 30 and 31, and again Monday through Wednesday, June 4-6, the hazard trees will be removed along OR 126W at milepost 17, approximately 2.6 miles east of Mapleton. On those dates, traffic will be restricted to a single lane from 6:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-20 minute delays with travel controlled by flaggers at the location.

 

The trees pose a threat to the highway should they fall during a wind or storm event. In some cases, the trees are leaning toward the highway and restrict visibility or shade the highway, preventing frost or ice from thawing in the winter.

 

By removing the hazard trees now, ODOT hopes to reduce the likelihood the trees would fall   and close the highway during a storm. OR 126W is a vital link between the Central Oregon Coast and the Willamette Valley.

 

Because the location encompasses the Siuslaw National Forest, ODOT has worked closely with the U.S. Forest Service to address environmental and fire concerns.

 

The $15,000 tree removal contract was awarded to CTS Tree Services of Sweet Home, Ore., under an Emerging Small Business contract.

 

The Emerging Small Business program of ODOT creates new and innovating contracting opportunities for Oregon’s small business community. It also assists emerging small businesses in overcoming barriers to participating in the state’s extensive public contracting and procurement programs.

 

 

 

Know before you go

To get an update on current road conditions, visit: www.tripcheck.com

 

 

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