July 1, 2022 3:30 a.m.

Travelers may experience construction-related delays on several southwest Oregon highways over the July 4th holiday.

Gary Leaming of the Oregon Department of Transportation said as many lanes as possible will be open for the long weekend, but some lane restrictions will remain in effect.

Leaming said drivers should budget extra time or plan to travel outside peak hours on these highways:

*Interstate 5 between Ashland and the California border remains in a single lane in each direction for a three-mile stretch as a contractor finishes necessary improvements.

*Oregon 140 bridges east of White City where bridge work will limit the roadway to a single lane of travel controlled by temporary signals at two locations.

*On U.S.101, traffic is limited to a single lane at Tahkenitch Creek, ten miles north of Reedsport.

*On Oregon 38, traffic is also limited to a single lane in Scottsburg due to bridge construction. Congestion and delays are likely during peak travel times.

Leaming said drivers can have a safer trip if they:

*Check their routes on www.tripcheck.com, where more cameras showing road conditions and real travel times have been added.

*Are careful with cigarettes. Never toss a lit cigarette or any burning material from a vehicle.

*Know the rules of the road. Move over for emergency responders and change lanes if possible, if one is on the side of the road with lights flashing.

*Make sure their vehicle is in working order before leaving on a trip.