Use extreme caution near construction zones as summer weather heats up

SPRINGFIELD — The Oregon Department of Transportation wants to remind river users to use extreme caution near construction zones as summer weather heats up.

Under the Willamette River Bridge and work bridge, river users must stay to the north side of the river, avoiding the channel near the south bank. Signs posted at ramps and in the river indicate the location of this channel.

The Interstate 5 Willamette River Bridge project poses challenges. Contractors have built a work bridge over the Willamette River to protect the river from construction debris and to provide a work platform. This work bridge has narrowed the width of the navigation channel. In addition, the ruins of the historic Eugene Millrace make this portion of the river difficult for boaters and rafters.

River users can go to the project website: www.willamettebridge.org for a map of the safe channel under the Willamette River Bridge.

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Contact Info: Jyll Smith, Major Projects Branch Public Information Officer, (503) 551-2877