Longview Hills @ Newport Oregon

June 27, 2006
For More Information: Joe Harwood, Public Information Officer
06-185-R2
541-726-2442

ODOT working to prevent future U.S. 101 traffic delays

YACHATS - The Oregon Department of Transportation is working with the contractor hired to pave the section of Highway 101 between Waldport and Yachats to prevent future traffic delays.

Under the contract approved by ODOT and the contractor, LTM Inc., paving activities for the project may only occur between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. ODOT specified the 12-hour, off-peak work period in order to keep delays minimal during the normal workday.

Paving operations for the project started at 5 p.m. Sunday, June 25, about 2 miles south of Yachats. Due to material delivery issues, the contractor worked past the 7 a.m. Monday deadline. The contractor continued work until about 3 p.m. Monday, causing 20-minute delays for motorists on this section of the highway. On Tuesday, the contractor again worked past the 7 a.m. deadline and did clear the work area until 9:30 a.m.

ODOT takes traffic mobility seriously and works hard to prevent traffic delays. Substantial financial penalties are allowed under the contract when deadlines are not met. ODOT has, and will, assess penalties anytime the paving work continues past the 7 a.m. deadline.

ODOT apologizes for any inconvenience to motorists and affected residents resulting from the contractor's inability to conclude paving operations in a timely manner. ODOT is working with the contractor to make sure deadlines are met.

If the weather cooperates, the paving should be completed by mid-August.