Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway
Safety and Preservation Project,” is on schedule after falling behind due to
spring snow, according to Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs.

Crews worked “almost around the clock” Mondays through Thursdays in April,
including during hail and rain, and were expected to continue doing so into
May.

“Our crews are pretty hard core,” Dinwiddie said. “We are really moving
ahead on this project.”

Day work has included work on slopes and a wall to protect the Pioneer Bridle
Trail, while workers have installed drainage pipes during nighttime hours.

“It’s less of an impact on travelers to do drainage at night,” Dinwiddie said,
adding that travelers can expect to be held up by flaggers “consistently” at
night and intermittently during the day.

Two blasts are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 3 and Tuesday, May
10, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. and close the highway down in both
directions for approximately one hour. Dates are subject to change based on
conditions and if holes can be drilled in time.

Dinwiddie added that following the two blasts, ODOT should know how much
more blasting on the project, which will expand the highway and add a 1.6-
mile concrete median barrier to prevent crossover accidents, will be
necessary. The project is expected to be done this fall and Dinwiddie noted
that is still the goal.

“We are going to do whatever it takes, without causing too much disruption,
to get it done,” she said, adding that the patience exhibited by drivers and
those in the community is much appreciated.

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