By Adrian Knowler
Mt. Hood Hospice
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is expected to launch a bridge deck resurfacing project on the Oregon Highway 35 overpass at the U.S. 26 interchange near Mt. Hood.
Motorists should expect some delays as the overpass operates with one lane at a time during the resurfacing, though the road and U.S. 26 will remain open during the entirety of the project, according to an ODOT statement.
Construction is expected to continue through the spring of 2025, subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen conditions.
The project will replace deteriorated concrete and repave the bridge as well as replacing the existing bridge railings to current standards, replacing the bridge joints, and applying new striping to the repaired bridge surface.
According to ODOT officials, the deck of the existing bridge is showing signs of damage from 45 years of heavy snow and wear and tear from extensive plowing.
Officials say they expect the improvements to increase the service life of the road and provides a smoother, safer ride for travelers.​
ODOT advises motorists to anticipate minor delays and to follow posted signage for updated route information throughout the duration of the work.
Contractors will use flaggers and a portable traffic signal to control traffic flow while the road work is underway.
ODOT officials are telling motorists to expect nightly single lane closures on U.S. 26 with flaggers directing traffic between 4 p.m. and 11 a.m. during set up and removal of the temporary work access and the containment area under the OR 35 bridge structure.
Bicyclists and pedestrians will be directed to use the existing shoulders on the bridge deck for access through the work zone.
For up-to-date information on traffic impacts, motorists can check tripcheck.com