Melrose Road will close for about one week starting August 25th, as the Conn Ford Bridge replacement project begins a new phase.

Dan Latham from the Oregon Department of Transportation said during the closure, traffic from the Melrose area will detour onto Old Melrose Road, Harvard Avenue, Stewart Parkway and Garden Valley Boulevard. Latham said motorists are advised to slow down and drive with caution along the detour route.

The closure will allow prime contractor Farline Bridge Inc. to finish building a temporary bypass bridge located next to the Conn Ford Bridge.

Latham said when Melrose Road opens on September 2nd, portable signals will provide traffic control at each end of the bypass bridge. The work zone speed limit has been reduced to 35 miles per hour.

In early September, workers will begin removing the old Conn Ford Bridge so the new one can be built in its place. The project is scheduled for completion in summer 2024.

Latham said the closure had been scheduled in early August but was postponed to give the contractor more time to construct the vertical supports of the bypass bridge.

ODOT said the Conn Ford Bridge was built in 1964 and has reached the end of its design life. The new bridge will have two lanes and wide shoulders for pedestrians and bicyclists. ADA access will be provided across the bridge.

ODOT is partnering with Douglas County on this $22.6 million two-project bundle, which will also replace the Old Highway 99 Bridge in Oakland.

For more information go to the project website: www.melrosebridge.com