Repairs to begin immediately on US 101, north of Sea Lion Caves
FLORENCE — The Oregon Department of Transportation has determined the extent of erosion and the repairs necessary to reopen U.S. 101 to two-way travel at milepost 169.5, approximately nine miles north of Sea Lion Caves. ODOT hopes to have traffic flowing in both directions by late afternoon Wednesday, July 14.
ODOT crews were attempting to grind and repave cracks in the asphalt yesterday when they discovered the subsurface roadbed had eroded beneath the southbound lane. The southbound lane was immediately closed and all traffic was rerouted onto the northbound lane and controlled by flaggers.
A further inspection today indicated that the roadbed aggregate had eroded beneath the asphalt cracks, most likely during the heavy rains of winter and spring. The erosion left isolated voids of aggregate along a 200-foot long stretch of the southbound lane.
ODOT crews will immediately begin cutting and removing the asphalt on a 10-foot by 200-foot section of the highway. New aggregate will be put in place and the road will be repaved. Construction should be complete by late tomorrow afternoon.
Meanwhile, traffic will be restricted to a single lane at the location and flaggers will continue to alternate travel direction.
Motorists should please reduce their speed in the area, drive with caution and expect 10-15 minute delays.
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