September 2, 2022 4:00 a.m.

Melrose Road has reopened at the South Umpqua River.

Dan Latham of the Oregon Department of Transportation said that section of the road had been closed for a week as contractors finished building a temporary bypass bridge next to the Conn Ford Bridge, west of Roseburg. The bypass bridge is carrying Melrose Road traffic over the river for about two years while the Conn Ford Bridge is removed and replaced.

Latham said the bypass bridge has two travel lanes for vehicles and narrow shoulders for pedestrians and bicyclists. Motorists should watch for sharp curves at each end of the bypass bridge. Latham said due to those curves and a nearby driveway, a traffic signal is being used at the east end of the bypass bridge. At most times, the signal will be green for Melrose Road traffic. Any delays will likely be brief.

Motorists are asked to slow down and use caution when approaching and crossing the bypass bridge. The work zone speed limit has been reduced to 35 miles per hour.

In the past week, prime contractor Farline Bridge Inc. has placed 24 beams on the bypass bridge, paved the deck and placed barrier along the edges. Striping has been applied, road signs placed and the portable traffic signals have been adjusted.

The roadway was opened back up to traffic Thursday evening.

Complete information on the project is at: www.melrosebridge.com.