September 18, 2025 9:50 a.m.

U.S. Highway 101 is scheduled to close six miles south of Bandon on Friday night at 9:00 p.m.

An update from the Oregon Department of Transportation said the highway is expected to re-open late Sunday night.

The weekend closure will allow ODOT and prime contractor Farline Bridge Inc. to replace the failing culvert that sits 20 feet below the road surface at Bearhead Mountain Lane, at milepost 281.8. There are no alternative routes for vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians.

During the closure, ODOT recommends that people traveling between Coos Bay and Crescent City, California, detour along Oregon Highway 42 – the Coos Bay to Roseburg Highway, Interstate 5 and U.S. Highway 199, also known as the Redwood Highway.

The update said those who cannot take the recommended detour are advised to adjust their travel schedules to pass through the work zone before or after the weekend closure.

ODOT cautions drivers who are unfamiliar with the area to avoid Forest Service roads, or other routes through the mountains and backcountry. Those roads may not be paved or maintained, and there could be large rocks, potholes or other hazards. Some roads are currently being used by firefighters. Few directional signs are posted along these routes, and cell service may not be available.