July 2, 2024 3:50 a.m.

Starting early Sunday morning July 21st, Melrose Road will close for two weeks at the South Umpqua River so contractors can connect the road to both ends of the new Conn Ford Bridge.

An update from the Oregon Department of Transportation said during the closure, traffic from the Melrose area will detour onto Old Melrose Road, West Harvard Avenue, Northwest Stewart Parkway, and Northwest Garden Valley Boulevard. Public Information Officer Dan Latham said drivers are advised to slow down and use caution during the detour.

Latham said when Melrose Road reopens to traffic on August 4th, traffic will shift onto the new bridge. The closure will allow contractor Farline Bridge Inc.to begin removing the bypass bridge, which has carried traffic across the river for nearly two years.

ODOT is partnering with Douglas County on this $22.6 million two-project bundle, which also replaces the Old Highway 99 Bridge in Oakland. Construction began in early 2022 and most work is scheduled for completion by the end of summer.