Blasting of rock faces on Hwy. 26 for the “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety
and Preservation Project” did not occur in late August, as expected, but was
set to begin in the first week of September, according to Kimberly Dinwiddie,
Oregon Department of Transportation Community Affairs.

Dinwiddie noted the contractor, K&E Excavating, was able to remove much of
the rock without blasting.

Dinwiddie added that the project, which will expand the highway and add a
1.6-mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents, was also
delayed due to stopping all work for the safety of runners during the Hood to
Coast relay.

Work will stop again for Labor Day, but the contractor is expected to work
longer days through this month and early September to make up the lost
time.

They are still hopeful to complete work on the north slope of the project
before it stops for the winter season in November.

Construction is expected to take place between April and October through
2016.

For more information, visit us26mthoodsafety.org and tripcheck.com.