Motorists, prepare to reroute this weekend. If you're planning to navigate the Oregon roads, specifically southbound OR 217, take heed of the scheduled closure that will impact your journey. Starting at 9 p.m. on Friday, the section of the highway from SW Canyon Road to OR 99W will be shut down to kick off the final paving for the OR 217 Auxiliary Lanes project. The planned reopening is by 5 a.m. Monday, so a detour will be required to smoothly—and without much frustration—maneuver around the construction.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) suggests a signed detour that goes around the closure, namely using U.S. 26 to the north, I-405 through Portland, and I-5 to the south. It's advisable to take extra time to account for the detour. Also, be prepared to adapt to last-minute changes; the ODOT reminds you to always quickly check TripCheck before you hit the road, just in case weather or other variables push to modify the scheduled closure.
The scope of the paving project means there will be more upcoming disruptions. ODOT has earmarked additional weekend directional closures, with tentative dates of June 6, June 20, and June 27, for the completion of paving tasks. While the immediate impact on your commute will be evident, avoidance of both directions closing during the same weekend should at least provide a semblance of traffic flow maintenance.
Following the closure, expect to see temporary striping on the roads, a placeholder until the pavement cures completely and allows for the contractor to lay down the final stripes. The auxiliary lanes being paved won't be accessible immediately; there's still the need to wrap up work on the shoulders and side slopes, but the project is moving forward as expected and is projected to finish by the year's end.
As for travel tips, patience and preparation will go a long way. With most of OR 217 being an active construction zone, it's crucial to slow down and watch for construction workers and equipment amidst your travels. For those seeking updates on the project status, ODOT encourages signing up for the project newsletter.
The background to these roadworks lies within the goal of the OR 217 Auxiliary Lanes project, initiated in 2021 with completion aimed for the end of 2025. The project, with a budget of $174 million primarily funded through House Bill 2017, intends to enhance safety and ease bottlenecks by adding new lanes and improving local bicycle and pedestrian routes. For the most updated information on the project and how it may affect your travel plans, the Oregon Department of Transportation's project page offers all the latest details.
