Marion County Public Works and Portland and Western Railroad (PNWR) are working cooperatively to replace a failed stormwater culvert that crosses River Road South and the adjacent PNWR tracks. River Road South is located between Salem and the Independence (Willamette River) Bridge. The culvert is located at milepost 3.3, immediately south of the north railroad undercrossing, which is located between Sawmill Road S. and Vitae Springs Road S.
PNWR completed the installation of the new culvert beneath the tracks on Friday, September 29. Marion County Public Works will close River Road South at milepost 3.3 on Monday, October 9, 2017, to install the new culvert beneath the roadway. The closure is scheduled to last one day and River Road is expected to reopen on Monday evening.
During the road closure, River Road traffic will be detoured onto Riverdale Road S. using Sawmill Road and Orville Road. This is the same detour route used for several weeks during the recent River Road South landslide repair project. Drivers will observe the same detour signs and traffic control features that were used during landslide repairs. Commuters are encouraged to use alternate routes and avoid River Road on October 9, if possible. The detour route is narrow and winding, so trucks and trailers are especially encouraged to use alternate routes during the closure. Please, drive cautiously and obey all posted traffic signs.
This has been a big construction season for River Road South. We appreciate your patience and understanding. If you have any questions or concerns about the upcoming road closure, or would like to provide input to the project team, please contact Brian Nicholas, Marion County Capital Projects Manager, at (503) 588-5036 or bnicholas@co.marion.or.us.
