🚨The Sheriff’s Office is Devloping a Plan to Respond to Incidents South of Bandon🚨 News Release Provided by ODOT NEWS RELEASE: Construction begins Monday on culvert project south of Bandon Sept. 4, 2025 BANDON – Travelers along U.S. 101 between Bandon and Port Orford should expect traffic congestion and delays the next two weeks as work begins on a culvert replacement project. Prime contractor Farline Bridge Inc. plans to set up their work zone at the intersection of U.S. 101 and Bearhead Mountain Lane, about six miles south of Bandon, on Monday, Sept. 8. From Sept. 9 to Sept. 19, the highway in this area will be limited to a single lane as the contractor begins excavation work. Flaggers will provide traffic control 24/7 and travelers can expect delays up to 20 minutes. The project will replace a failing culvert that is buried about 20 feet below the road surface, where excavation is difficult. The work zone is sandwiched between a steep slope on one side of the highway, wetlands on the other and a stream that snakes its way in between. Weekend closure Construction will require the full closure of U.S. 101 for one weekend, starting at 9 p.m. on Friday night, Sept. 19. The highway is expected to reopen late Sunday night, Sept. 21. There are no local road connections around the work zone, nor any alternate facilities for bicycles or pedestrians. The only available detour on a maintained public road is a lengthy drive along U.S. 199 (Redwood Highway), Interstate 5 and Oregon 42 (Coos Bay-Roseburg Highway). Those who are unable to use the I-5 detour are advised to adjust their travel plans and schedules. Work will continue for another 2-3 weeks after the weekend closure, with continued lane closures with flaggers and brief delays. The $1.25 million project is expected to be completed by the middle of October. For more information, visit the project webpage or contact ODOT Public Information Officer Dan Latham at 541-817-5200 or [email protected]. Transportation funding While the funding crisis is having a profound impact on ODOT’s maintenance and operations, most construction projects will continue as planned. These projects are typically funded through separate capital programs, often with state or federal funds that are legally restricted to project development and cannot be used for maintenance or day-to-day operations. Delays in project delivery may still occur if our workforce is reduced. Fewer staff available for inspections, project coordination and oversight would mean some timelines may shift or face additional challenges during delivery. For more information on ODOT’s funding crisis, visit our website.