Major US 101 paving project to begin soon, north of Florence, July 31

A two-year paving and curve widening project on US 101, north of Florence, will begin in August. The US 101: Cook’s Chasm to Sutton Creek project, which covers a 17 mile segment of US 101 in Lane County (MP 167-184), will replace failing pavement and construct safety improvements that will benefit bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists. The pavement within this section of highway 101 is failing and in need of replacement; the pavement core samples have indicated pavement failure from 2-4 inches depth in many locations. Several curves have been identified as needing safety enhancements to reduce large vehicle off- tracking outside of the travel lane. The curves will be widened to enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Center line rumble strips will be installed throughout the project to reduce the chance of cross over accidents. Center line rumble strips have proven effective in reducing cross over crashes. Construction will occur in 2015 & 2016 – Beginning in August and continuing through October, 2015, the contractor will construct the southern segment between MP 178.54 and 184.80. In 2016, the contractor will construct the northern segment between MP 167.23 and 177.83. The entire project is scheduled for completion in late summer, 2016. Single lane restrictions – During construction, travelers should expect a single lane of travel through the work zones, controlled by flaggers and pilot cars. Single lane restrictions will occur during daytime and nighttime construction and may occur on weekends. During the construction of retaining walls and curve widening, there may be 24 hour flagging through the work zone. During this project, travelers should plan for delays of up to 20 minutes when traveling between Florence and Yachats. Rocky Mountain Construction, LLC of Klamath Falls, was awarded the low-bid contract of $9.6 million.