Southwest Oregon chip seal project begins, July 23

Motorists in Douglas, Coos and Jackson counties are advised to expect delays and watch for loose rock as a new chip seal project begins the week of July 23-27. The $2 million project will apply a chip seal to three different rural highways in southern Oregon: Oregon 138W (Elkton-Sutherlin Highway), from milepost 0-9, south of Elkton in Douglas County, Oregon 542 (Powers Highway), from the Oregon 42 junction to milepost 4 in Coos County, Oregon 62 (Crater Lake Highway), from milepost 22 to 29, near the community of Trail in Jackson County. Prime contractor Harney Rock & Paving is scheduled to start chip sealing the Elkton-Sutherlin Highway the week of July 23-27. The work will then move to Powers Highway, followed by Crater Lake Highway in early August. Construction will require weekday lane closures and delays up to 20 minutes. Flaggers and pilot cars will provide traffic control. Speeds will be reduced through the work zone. Motorists are advised to slow down, drive with caution, and allow extra space when following other vehicles. Chip seals often result in loose rock and oil splatter for a couple weeks after construction has been completed. Motorists who are concerned about potential damage to their vehicles are advised to use alternate routes. All work is weather dependent, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Additional clean-up and striping work may continue into late August. Accommodations will be provided for bicyclists and pedestrians, including individuals with disabilities, traveling through the work zone. For more information and maps of the project areas, visit www.SouthwestOregonChipSeal.com.