Caution urged when traveling through the US 101 construction zone in Lincoln City, June 18

Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists are urged to use a heightened sense of caution while traveling through a highway construction zone in Lincoln City, and be prepared to share the road as normal travel routes are disrupted both day and night.  Construction has ramped-up to full speed on a two-year project to widen U.S. 101, and improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities. People using all modes of travel are encountering significant changes to available travel lanes.  During daytime construction, motorists should reduce speed when they see the orange construction cones, barrels, and signs that delineate lanes and channel traffic. They should also be aware that construction is taking place on the highway shoulders, putting pedestrians and bicyclists directly in the roadway.  Bicyclists and pedestrians should wear highly visible or reflective clothing, and be aware that motorists may be distracted by construction activity.  During nighttime construction, when travel is reduced to a single lane, users of all modes of travel should be prepared for short delays and respect instructions of flaggers.  Traffic fines double in construction zones. Enhanced law enforcement presence may be noticeable as ODOT funds overtime police patrols through the work zone.  National studies show driver inattention is the leading cause of work zone crashes. In Oregon, during the past ten years, there has been an average of 510 work zone crashes each year, with an average of 19 serious injury crashes and nine fatality crashes.  The U.S. 101: SE 23rd to SW 35th project will:  • Realign the two legs of 32nd Street in a signalized intersection; • Construct curbs and sidewalks which will be ADA accessible; • Add a pedestrian crossing; • Construct retaining walls to reduce impacts to Baldy Creek and wetlands.  Customers of local businesses are reminded that all businesses will be open and accessible during construction. Business accesses will be marked with blue traffic cones and “Business Access” signs. Driveways and business accesses may be constructed of gravel during portions of the project.  We encourage the public to not be deterred by the construction and to support the local businesses.