ODOT kicked off a $17 million highway construction project this week that will deliver significant transportation and safety improvements along 3rd Street (US20) from Mervin Sampels south to Greenwood Avenue.
The project, which has been in development for several years, includes repaving the roadway, installing ADA compliant curb ramps at intersections, bike/pedestrian improvements, a new signal at 3rd & Mervin Samples, signal upgrades throughout the corridor, and storm drainage installation. When complete, this project will provide significant benefits to the overall operation of 3rd Street.
The contract for this project has been awarded to K&E Excavating. This week, the contractor will be installing concrete barrier from Mervin Sampels to River Mall Road. The barrier will close the fast lane in the north/south direction including the middle turn lanes so that drainage work can be completed in the center of the roadway. These lane closures will be in place on 3rd Street (US20) until March 1, 2022.
Motorists should use caution when traveling in this area of 3rd Street. Access to Mervin Sampels will be open for use but visibility will be limited and the area will be heavily congested until the work is complete. ODOT encourages motorists to use alternate routes to access Mervin Samples by accessing it from OB Riley Road to the west. OB Riley can be easily accessed from the intersections at 3rd & Empire or 3rd & OB Riley in front of the River House Hotel. ODOT and the contractor will work with local businesses to make sure access is maintained during business hours.
ODOT will continue to update the public when other construction stages are implemented. Construction on the entire project is estimated to be complete in early 2023.
For more information, please visit the project website online at:
https://www.oregon.gov/odot/
