We also made good progress on the second project that will make U.S. 20 safer and more efficient for motorists. 

·     About 80,000 cubic yards of rock and soil have been removed for the new alignment over Simpson Creek; this sets the stage to build the new bridge during this winter.

·     A critical soil retaining wall has been completed, improving site distance through this curvy part of U.S. 20.

·     All storm water culverts have been installed.

·     Only bridge and concrete work will take place during the winter.

·     The U.S. 20: Pioneer Mountain Loop Road-Yaquina River project, immediately west of Pioneer Mountain-Eddyville, continues on schedule.  We appear on track for the summer 2011 finish.

The $8.5 million project will realign the curves near Sam’s Creek Road to allow interstate-size trucks to use this section of highway.  The highway will be shifted north for environmental protection of the creek and will construct a new, fish-friendly bridge over Simpson Creek, replacing a restrictive culvert.  The road will also receive a pavement overlay throughout this section.