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Oregon Department of Transportation - Region 1 (Portland Metro Area)

U.S. 26 (Sunset Highway) Paving Project: Sylvan to I-405
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Project Information
Work began in June 2012 on an ODOT project to pave U.S. 26 (Sunset Highway) in both directions between the Sylvan Interchange and I-405 in the City of Portland. This two-mile stretch of highway was last repaved in 1994 and is severely rutted. Project completion is slated for the end of summer 2013. The project elements include:
  • Grind, pave and restripe U.S. 26 in both directions from just east of the Sylvan interchange to I-405. This includes the highway lanes, shoulders, ramps and the Vista Ridge Tunnel (milepost 71.5 to milepost 73.7)
  • Repair pavement on the east side of the Vista Ridge Tunnel
  • Install one new sign structure and replace one sign structure
  • Upgrade highway signs in the project area
  • Add a ramp meter to the U.S. 26 eastbound on-ramp from the Zoo
  • Replace approximately 60 light poles and light heads between the Zoo and the Vista Ridge Tunnel

 
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View a PDF version of the map (3.6 MB).

Read the May 2012 newsletter. 
   

Schedule and traffic impacts

Work has beein ongoing since June 2012. As of January 2013, grinding, paving and permanent striping is complete on U.S. 26 and the ramps. From January through the end of the project in summer 2013, work will include sign bridge installation, light pole replacement, sign installation and ramp meter installation. 

 

In the construction period of June 2012 to summer 2013, motorists may encounter single lane closures on U.S. 26 between 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. and double lane closures between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.  There will also be intermittent nighttime ramp closures. Motorists should expect short delays on U.S. 26 during nighttime lane closures. 
 
To install the new sign structures, U.S. 26 in sections from Sylvan to I-405 will close in both directions between 11:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. This is planned for up to 4 different nights during construction. Three of these nighttime closures occured in January 2013.  The fourth closure hasn't yet been scheduled.  A signed detour will be in place directing motorists to OR 217 and I-5.  

Read the weekly construction news which details the weekly traffic impacts on this project updated every Friday. 

 

Highway sign changes
There are some language changes planned on select highway signs in the project area. The most notable change is the off-ramp from U.S. 26 eastbound currently signed “Canyon Rd.  JELD-WEN Field” will be changed to “Jefferson St JELD-WEN Field.” ODOT strives to display the street name the highway user will most immediately encounter. In this case, Jefferson Street is the more accurate location. This sign change, and others, will occur in January and February 2013. 
 
Read the informational flier detailing all the sign changes.
 
For businesses, please check driving directions on your websites and printed materials and make necessary changes (if applicable). 
 
Nighttime noise
Traffic volumes are too high on U.S. 26 for lane closures during the day.  Any work requiring lane closures – which is the majority of construction – will take place at night.  ODOT has obtained a noise variance from the City of Portland.
 
Work on this project is scheduled to take place from June 2012 to summer 2013, with the contractor working intermittent nights (Monday through Friday) during this period.  There may be occasional work on Saturday and Sunday nights, but no work during official holidays.  The contractor will be required to turn off backup alarms during nighttime work between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.  
 
Below are the approximate durations of the construction activities.  There likely will be multiple construction activities per night and work may not be in a continuous block.  The exact schedule and approach to completing the work will be determined by the contractor.  
 
* Grinding, paving and striping - approximately three weeks of work
* Pavement repair at east entrance to Vista Ridge Tunnel - approximately three weeks of work
* Sign structure installation - approximately two weeks of work
* Light pole replacement - approximately six weeks of work (minimal noise)
 
A 24-hour noise hotline is available to be used at all hours should a noise concern arise: 503-412-2352.

ODOT Contact Information
For more information or to be added to the mailing list, please contact: 
 
Lili Boicourt, ODOT Community Affairs
PH: 503-731-8247
Email: Lili.D.Boicourt@odot.state.or.us