February 24, 2025 3:40 a.m.

Work is beginning this week on a two-year Oregon Department of Transportation project on Oregon 42.

An ODOT release said work will include paving the highway through Winston and the Green District, installing a traffic signal at Rolling Hills Road and adding several safety features and pedestrian improvements.

Dan Latham of ODOT said the first few months of construction will focus on upgrading sidewalk curb ramps to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Latham said starting Monday, prime contractor Rocky Mountain Construction LLC will oversee replacing curb ramps the at 14 highway intersections. They plan to begin work at the Cheetah Statue, where Oregon 42 meets Old Highway 99 in Winston, and work their way east to Grant Smith Road.

Latham said other work planned for this spring and summer includes repairing five bridges, building foundations and installing conduit for the new traffic signal, along with constructing right-turn lanes from Oregon 42 onto Landers Avenue and Rolling Hills Road.

The release said Rocky Mountain Construction is moving forward with an ambitious schedule to pave Oregon 42 through the Green District and turn on the new signal this summer.

Latham said the contractor will then install median barrier and channelizing islands along the center of the highway between Carnes Road and Rolling Hills Road. ODOT believes these safety features will help reduce crashes by limiting left-turn movements and lane departures.

The final segment of paving, which includes Oregon 42 through Winston to Lookingglass creek, is planned for next year. All work is scheduled to be completed by September 20, 2026.

Drivers should watch for intermittent lane and shoulder closures through the spring and summer. Flaggers will provide traffic control as needed. When sidewalks are closed for construction, alternate pedestrian routes will be provided.