A section of Oregon 234 near Eagle Point will close for about a month starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, due to repairs needed for sinking pavement. The affected area is between Modoc Road and Dodge Road, covering approximately half a mile.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) reported that ground settling after winter storms caused the roadway at milepost 15.1 to sink. Contractor Visar Construction will carry out the work, which involves removing the road surface and excavating to an estimated depth of 20 to 30 feet before rebuilding the highway.
A detour will be in place during the closure using Dodge Road and Antioch Road. Travelers can also use Antioch Road or Modoc Road south to Table Rock Road for connections to Oregon 140 and Oregon 62 in White City. ODOT warns drivers to expect congestion along detour routes and nearby roads, advising them to use caution and allow extra time for travel. Through travelers are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
Once the full closure ends, single-lane closures with traffic control will continue as crews finish the project. The work is expected to be completed by November 15.
Temporary repairs have been made since the sinking was first noticed, while teams worked on designing a permanent solution. According to ODOT, “The project was scheduled to begin in June, but geologists found additional voids in the ground deep beneath the road, requiring a more substantial project plan.” Before the closure begins, ODOT advises drivers to watch for sunken pavement in the marked area and follow a reduced speed limit of 35 mph for safety.
For further updates on this project visit the OR 234 Pavement Repair webpage or check TripCheck.com for current road conditions and closures.
For more information, contact ODOT Public Information Officer Julie Denney at 503-949-2366 or Julie.Denney@odot.oregon.gov.
