Driver alert: Guardrail and bridge work to slow Oregon Highway 126 traffic east of Powell Butte

POWELL BUTTE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A road and bridge project will be slowing traffic for the next few weeks on Oregon Highway 126 just east of Powell Butte, ODOT said Thursday,

Crews will be replacing guardrail and widening the Central Oregon Irrigation District Canal Bridge at milepost 10 "to make traveling on OR 126 safer for everyone," the department said. 

Traffic will be reduced to a single lane and controlled 24/7 by portable traffic signals installed at either end of the bridge.

Crews plan to start the work next Monday, and ODOT said drivers should expect delays of up to 20 minutes in both directions for about four weeks.

Construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change, the agency said, urging motorists to check TripCheck for updated information.

This work is happening toward the end of a two-year, $13.8 million project that's also included repaving of Highway 126 between Redmond and the Powell Butte Highway, as well as other improvements in Redmond.

Visit ODOT's project website for more information or contact Meghan Blyth, community affairs coordinator.