Melrose Road to Reopen

Melrose Road is on schedule to reopen to traffic by Friday morning, Sept. 2 according to a press release from the Oregon Department of Transportation. The exact hour has not been determined, so motorists should plan as if it is still closed. The road has been closed at the South Umpqua River for a week as contractors finish building a temporary bypass bridge next to the Conn Ford Bridge. The bypass bridge will carry Melrose Road traffic over the river for about two years while the Conn Ford Bridge is removed and replaced. The bypass bridge will provide two travel lanes for vehicles and narrow shoulders for pedestrians and bicyclists. Motorists should watch for sharp curves at each end of the bypass bridge. Due to the curves and a nearby driveway, a traffic signal will be used at the east end of the bridge. At most times, the signal will be green for Melrose Road traffic. Any delays will likely be brief. Motorists are advised to slow down and use caution when approaching and crossing the bridge. The work zone speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph. Since last Thursday, prime contractor Farline Bridge Inc. has placed 24 beams on the bypass bridge, paved the deck and placed barrier along the edges. Today, they will apply striping to the bypass bridge, place road signs and adjust the portable traffic signals. Melrose Road is expected to reopen sometime between 6 p.m. tonight and noon on Friday. For more information, visit the project website at www.MelroseBridge.com or contact ODOT Public Information Officer Dan Latham at Dan.Latham@odot.oregon.gov or 541-817-5200. Questions can also be directed Douglas County Public Information Officer Tamara Howell at 541-957-4896 or tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us. *** Photo courtesy of ODOT