Motorists should expect intermittent delays the next four years on Oregon 38 (Umpqua Highway) and U.S. 101 (Oregon Coast Highway) as construction begins on a pilot program to repair or replace more than 150 culverts in Coos and Douglas County. Many of the culverts are aging and damaged, backing up in heavy rain and leading to erosion. This program, which was created in partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, will improve drainage and fish passage. The first project of the pilot program begins in July on Oregon 38, repairing 26 small culverts and replacing five others over a three-month period. Construction at each culvert will require intermittent lane and shoulder closures. Most delays will be brief, but motorists could be stopped multiple times on each trip since so many culverts are involved. The following winter, ODOT will repair or replace 19 culverts on U.S. 101 between the Douglas/Lane County Line and Coos Bay. Motorist can expect similar lane closures and delays. ODOT will address the least complicated culverts first. Those culverts that are more difficult to stage will be replaced in subsequent years. During 2016, ODOT will continue working on small and medium sized culverts on both highways. In 2017 and 2018, about ten large culverts will be under construction, including six that will be replaced with small bridges, providing a natural streambed for fish.
