Drivers on Hwy. 26 might see some workers cleaning up along the shoulders as they travel to and from Government Camp in November, but the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) “U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway Safety and Preservation Project” reached an official end, including a
celebration at the Mount Hood Cultural Center and Museum on Friday, Oct.
28.

“We’re feeling really accomplished and proud for just getting this done,” said
Kimberly Dinwiddie, ODOT Community Affairs. “We’re thankful for the
community for putting up with it, because we realize it’s been disruptive at
times.”

Work on another project, adding RealTime signs that offer up to the minute
traffic information and advisories on Hwy. 26, Hwy. 35 and Timberline Road,
is expected to begin in the spring when the snow melts. Dinwiddie noted more
information will be available after a contractor is selected, and the project will
go to bid “any time,” she noted.

The project will cause fewer delays to travelers than the safety project, while
the sign work is expected to be completed in one season. The signs, however,
might not be operational for some time after construction is complete, as tests
will need to be performed on the software before then.