U.S. 101 to fully close south of Bandon Sept. 19–21 for culvert replacement

BANDON–PORT ORFORD, Ore. - U.S. 101 (Oregon Coast Highway) will close for one weekend in late September so crews can replace a failing culvert buried more than 20 feet beneath the highway at Bearhead Mountain Lane, about 6 miles south of Bandon.

What to know

• Full closure: 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, to late Sunday night, Sept. 21
• Location: U.S. 101 at Bearhead Mountain Lane (MP near Bear Creek area)
• Detour: No local road workarounds. Use U.S. 199 → I-5 → OR 42 (lengthy).
• Before/after: Expect single-lane closures for 2–3 weeks on each side of the weekend.
• Overall project window: 4–6 weeks.

Why the full closure?

The work zone is squeezed between a steep slope, wetlands, and a meandering stream. Keeping one lane open would require building a temporary bypass cut into the hillside or across wetlands and relocating the stream, adding significant cost and about six months of traffic disruption. The “rapid replacement” weekend closure is projected to save over $1 million and minimize overall impacts.

During the closure, contractors will excavate to the culvert, remove the failing pipe, and install a larger replacement designed to improve drainage and protect the highway.

Travel and events

Plan extra time if you’re heading to Coos Bay the weekend of Sept. 20–21, when several events are scheduled:

• Bay Area Fun Festival - music, food, parade, vendors: coosbaydowntown.com/bay-area-fun-festival/
• Prefontaine Memorial Run - 5K with high-school teams, including international entrants: prefontainerun.net
• Cruz the Coos - the coast’s largest classic car cruise: cruzthecoos.com

Check TripCheck.com for live conditions and closure updates before you go.

More information

Project details: ODOT project website.
Media/public info: Dan Latham, ODOT Public Information Office — 541-817-5200, Dan.Latham@odot.oregon.gov.