Heads up, commuters! Starting January 5, the westbound Main Street Bridge will be closed to traffic for approximately three weeks. This closure is to facilitate essential maintenance including replacing bridge joints, installing a new bike ramp, and repaving a section of the bridge on the east side. According to Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) details obtained online, the temporary closure will enable faster completion of the work while aiming to ensure the safety of the public and construction crews.
During the closure, both directions of traffic will be rerouted to use the South A Street Bridge, including a new temporary connection designed to funnel westbound traffic into the roundabout. Here's where the split is going to subtly happen: a new traffic pattern in the roundabout will be in effect to accommodate the flow and maintain safety, with lane closures as needed. For non-vehicular travelers, the South A Street Bridge will also serve as a passage for pedestrians and bicyclists during the construction period.
Local traffic, including freight and passenger vehicles, has been advised to utilize the South A Street Bridge or detour via Pioneer Parkway and OR 126. As for larger freight and oversized vehicles, they are to use OR 126 Bob Straub Parkway to navigate around the Main Street Bridge closure. ODOT emphasizes that businesses will remain open during construction, despite the potential inconvenience.
Construction work is mostly to take place during daytime hours, with crews setting up and directing traffic on an as-needed basis. Flaggers will be there to make sure to direct the traffic when setting up cones and barrels. The public should be prepared for construction noise and potential delays in this time frame. An illustrative gif from ODOT showcases workers using equipment like moving jackhammers, reaffirming that the bustling scene of roadwork will soon be a common sight in the area affected by the bridge closure.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution when driving through work zones, slowing down and moving over for the safety of the construction workers who consider this as their place of employment. It's worth being extra attentive: fines double in all Oregon work zones, with or without the presence of workers and signage. ODOT invites community members to visit their webpage for further insights on local road construction projects, featuring an interactive map for easy viewing.
