The Oregon Department of Transportation announced on April 8 that the Coos River Highway will be closed at Chandler Bridge for two weekends in June due to a painting and repair project.
The closure is significant because it affects travel between Coos Bay and North Bend, requiring drivers from the east end of Coos River Highway to use detours along East Bay Road and U.S. 101. The bridge work is part of ongoing efforts to maintain local infrastructure.
The first closure will last 55 hours, starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 12, and ending at 1 a.m. on Monday, June 15. The second closure will follow the same schedule from Friday night through Monday morning, June 19-22. During these times, workers will paint sections of the bridge that cannot be reached when vehicles are present.
Currently, traffic across Chandler Bridge is limited to one lane with a temporary signal controlling flow. Most delays are reported to be five minutes or less. Minnesota-based Abhe & Svoboda, Inc., serves as the prime contractor for this $7.29 million project, which is expected to be completed by September.
Chandler Bridge has been in service since 1952 and sits about three miles east of downtown Coos Bay. Officials say much of its steel structure shows peeling paint and rust accumulation.
For more information about the project or specific details regarding closures and detours, residents can visit the project webpage or contact ODOT Public Information Officer Dan Latham.
