Additional Information
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Stations
Problem
Since 2008, there have been eight rockfall incidents within the project area. Most recently, in November of 2016, a rockfall in the southern section closed a travel lane for three days, with cleanup requiring periodic closures of the entire highway. The current wire mesh that keeps rocks off the roadway was installed in 1995 and 1983.
Solution
This project will increase safety by reducing the potential for hazardous rocks and trees to fall onto the highway. ODOT's contractor will scale the slopes to remove loose rock, install anchors to secure larger rocks, and repair or replace the existing wire mesh as necessary.
Work will be focused in two areas:
- Mile point 12.6, south of the tunnel at Railroad Avenue, and
- Mile point 13.4, near Old Canemah Park.
Falling rocks have landed on OR 99E
Left: A massive boulder from a rockfall incident in 2015. Right: Rocks cover the highway from a rockfall incident in 2010. To clean up the 2010 rockfall, both northbound lanes were closed for two days. The right lane was closed for an additional 6 days.
Approach
- Move or remove the existing wire mesh to allow access to the hillsides.
- "Scale" the hillside in the northern section to remove loose rock and install anchors to prevent larger rocks from falling.
- After the work is complete, the contractor will replace or repair the mesh barriers.
This work may be performed using bucket trucks from below, or by climbers rappelling down the rock face from above. In both cases, the work will need to occur during the day and it will be necessary to close one travel lane to ensure safety for workers and the traveling public.
Hazardous vegetation within 10-feet of the top of the cut slope was removed over the winter to minimize impacts to migrating birds.
Summary of Impacts
Work must occur during daylight hours and it will be necessary to use a hard barrier to safely separate the work zone from traffic. The work will require:
- 24/7 lane closures on OR 99E.
- Occasional 20-minute full closures of OR 99E. Whenever possible, these closures will be scheduled during off-peak hours to minimize disruption to travelers.
- While construction is underway, travelers should expect to see lane changes, flaggers, and variable message signs.
- Pedestrians may encounter minor detours on the promenade walkway and near Old Canemah Park if the contractor needs to access the slope from above.
- When the rock work is complete, we will pave Section 2, the southern section, to repair damage from rock scaling. Paving may take place at night to reduce traffic impacts. Those living or working closest to the work zone may experience some nighttime noise.
ODOT strongly encourages regional travelers to consider using alternate routes while this project is underway. Electronic signs will be positioned in advance of the work to alert travelers of construction and alternate routes. More detailed information about specific construction dates and related impacts will be available on the project website in advance of construction beginning.
Lane Closures
Site constraints will make it necessary to close one lane of OR99E while the project is underway. Left: South of the OR99E tunnel. Right: Near Old Canemah Park.
Stay Informed
- Visit the project website to find the most current project information.
- Learn how construction will affect traffic by visiting at www.TripCheck.com or by dialing 511.
- Follow ODOT on Twitter and Facebook @OregonDOT
- For more information, contact Katelyn Jackson, ODOT Community Affairs, at 503-731-8503.