Resending Corvallis Bypass release with corrected completion date

 

 

April 10, 2015                                                         For more information: Rick Little (541) 726-2442

4-61-R2                                                                                                richard.little@odot.state.or.us

 

Lane restrictions scheduled at the OR 34/US 20 South Bypass in Corvallis

 

CORVALLIS-- An ODOT construction project to improve the efficiency and safety at the OR 34/US 20 South Bypass in Corvallis will result in a temporary reduction of lanes for northbound Bypass travelers approaching OR 34 (Corvallis-Lebanon Hwy.), and for eastbound travelers exiting the Van Buren Street Bridge.

 

Beginning as early as Thursday, April 16,2015 and continuing for approximately two months, all northbound traffic approaching OR 34 on the South Bypass (OR 34/US 20) will be restricted to a single lane, rather than two lanes. That means that a single lane will accommodate all traffic continuing north, or turning west onto the Harrison Street Bridge, as well as all traffic turning east onto OR 34.

 

In addition, eastbound traffic exiting the Van Buren Street Bridge will be restricted to a single lane until just east of the Bypass intersection.

 

The change will allow for the construction of dual right-turn lanes and a new pedestrian crossing and pedestrian refuge at the intersection.

 

Since this traffic control change will likely create additional congestion, travelers may want to plan an alternate route now to avoid delays.

 

ODOT will be monitoring the performance of a temporary traffic signal controlling the intersection during this period, to ensure the most efficient operation with the least impact possible to travelers.

 

ODOT will also be working closely with the contractor in an effort to create additional temporary lanes as soon as possible. However, travelers should anticipate the lane restriction to last a minimum of two months during this phase of construction.

 

Project to be completed this fall

The OR 34/US 20: South Bypass to Riverside Drive addresses congestion in east Corvallis and at the South Bypass. The project will also improve and extend bike/pedestrian connectivity.

In Downtown Corvallis, the project will:

• Add a dedicated right turn lane from 3^rd Street to Van Buren Street
• Add a bicycle lane between Jackson and Harrison that allows safer bicycle travel that is separated from the traffic making a right turn from 3^rd Street to Van Buren.
• Upgrade and improve signal timing

 

At the South Bypass, the project will:

 

• Add dual right turn lanes from northbound South Bypass to eastbound OR 34
• Extend the crosswalk through the dual lanes and construct a pedestrian refuge island adjacent to the dual lanes.
• Replace the pavement with a new layer of asphalt on OR 34 from the Van Buren, Harrison and South Bypass bridges to the entrance of Knife River

 

This project will also extend the existing multi-use path on the north side of OR 34 to the west and the east.

• The western extension will connect the existing path to the Susan B. Wilkens path beneath the Harrison and Van Buren bridges.
• The eastern extension will connect the existing path from Wolcott Road to Riverside Drive.
• A bicycle/pedestrian bridge will be constructed over Owl Creek, just west of Colorado Lake Drive.

 

Delta Construction of Eugene was awarded the low-bid contract of $3.38 million. Construction is expected to be completed by fall, 2015.

To learn more about the project, visit: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION2/Pages/OR-34-US-20-South-Bypass-to-Riverside-Drive-.aspx

 

Know Before You Go

For the latest road conditions, visit www.tripcheck.com.

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