About
This project is located along Oregon Highway 42 and runs through the city of Coquille. The project will pave about five miles of highway, replace a culvert, add or replace ADA sidewalk ramps and make other improvements.
Level the bypass: The west end of the project area includes the Coquille Bypass, a section of highway that was added in the early 1990s between West Central Blvd. and the Oregon 42S junction (milepost 9.9-10.8). The bypass shortened the travel distance from Coos Bay to Roseburg by about two-thirds of a mile. But the road surface of the bypass has settled by nearly six feet in some areas over the past 30 years. This project will level the road surface of the bypass.
East of Coquille: Prior to construction, the three-mile section of highway between North Adams Street in Coquille and the southeast Finley Loop intersection consisted of two lanes in each direction. Since there was no center turn lane, vehicles were required to slow down or come to a stop in a travel lane before making a left-turn across oncoming traffic. This increased the potential for rear-end crashes.
New traffic pattern: In August 2021, contractors repaved the three-mile section of highway between North Adams Street and southeast Finley Loop. The new traffic pattern in this area consisted of two eastbound lanes, one westbound lane and a center turn lane. The new pattern, which was intended to be temporary pending public comment, offered several safety benefits:
- Reducing westbound traffic to a single lane helps to slow vehicles as they approach Coquille.
- A center turn-lane helps reduce crashes that often occur when a vehicle attempts to turn left from a regular travel lane.
- Maintaining two eastbound lanes provides a passing opportunity for vehicles as they leave the city.
The addition of a center turn lane is expected to result in a 29 percent reduction in all types of crashes, according to ODOT traffic analysts.
Public comment: ODOT provided local motorists seven months to comment on the new striping pattern. A total of 17 individuals submitted public comments. Eleven voiced support for the new pattern, suggesting that the changes make it easier and safer to make left turns. The other six pointed out problems they observed, such as added congestion and slower speeds.
Permanent changes: After receiving and analyzing these public comments, ODOT has decided that making the new pattern permanent will improve safety and the flow of traffic through this area. Several changes have been made to accommodate the concerns that were raised. Later this spring, ODOT will apply permanent striping to the entire area and install centerline rumble strips between Rink Creek Lane and the southeast Finley Loop intersection.
We want to thank everyone who submitted comments and helped us in this process.
Location
OR 42
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Oregon 42 (Coos Bay to Roseburg Highway). The project area extends about five miles from Cedar Point Road, through the city of Coquille to Finley Loop.
Cost and Funding
Funding: $10,191,000.00 (Statewide Transportation Improvement Program)
Total project cost: $8,737,662.65 (estimate)
Successful bid: $6,474,336.80 (LTM/Knife River Materials, Oct. 15, 2020)
(Funding and cost figures updated June 25, 2021)
Contractor
LTM/Knife River Materials