The Oregon Department of Transportation starting June 5 will be chip sealing 41 miles of the Heppner–Spray Highway (Highway 207C). The project will run from milepost 41 at the junction of Oregon Highway 19, 2.5 miles east of Spray to milepost zero at the junction of Highway 206 at Ruggs.
ODOT in a press release reported it expects to complete the work around June 22. All dates are dependent on weather conditions that may impact the project start and end times.
A chip seal consists of embedding rock chips into a layer of emulsified oil to help preserve and extend the useful life of existing pavement surfaces.
Drivers can expect up to 20-minute delays, reduced speeds, loose rock on the roadway, flaggers and pilot cars directing single lane traffic through the work zones, as well as minor delays during nighttime/early morning hours for road sweeping.
“Please reduce speed and watch for construction activities in the area,” ODOT advised. “Plan extra travel time and slow down to prevent loose rock from flying onto other vehicles. Crews will sweep roadway but expect some loose rock to be present for several days after chip seal.”
Bicyclist should be prepared for traveling on rock-chip-covered highway sections behind a pilot car with no usable shoulders. Use alternate routes or delay travel, to avoid chip seal work zone. Pedestrians, including those with disabilities, will be provided access through or around the work zone.
The state transportation department also advised ranchers, farmers and property owners to keep farm equipment off the affected highway sections during and up to two days after the chip sealing. Also, they need to adjust irrigation pivots and lawn sprinklers to keep water off the roadway.
Ranchers moving livestock on these highway sections need to contact the following: call Bob Greisen at 541-972-1770 or email robert.greisen@odot.oregon.gov or call Justin Reed at 541-612-2605 or email justin.d.reed@odot.oregon.gov.
