ODOT seeking nighttime noise permits for road work

The Oregon Department of Transportation has applied for three noise permits for major highway projects planned next year.

ODOT spokesman Peter Murphy explained that permission from Deschutes County is necessary, so nearby residents can be informed.

“We’re going to let them know that these projects are coming and they, in turn, will let the people who live nearby know,” Murphy said.

The projects are planned for three areas, including Highway 20 and Jack Lake Road, Highway 97 on the Jefferson and Deschutes County line and Highway 97 between the Sunriver interchange and Highway 31.

If the permits are approved, the work will happen next spring between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

“The option is that we don’t do the work at night, we do the work during the day, and if we do much of the work at day, it means extensive backups for traffic,” Murphy said.

“Over time, ODOT has learned working at night really is the best thing to do. It works for everybody,” he said.

Safety improvements will be made at the intersection of Vandervert Road and Highway 97.

The reason for the Sunriver-area project comes after poor pavement ratings were given to Highway 97 between the Sunriver interchange and Highway 31.

It was last repaved in 2004, and since then crews have made fixes to extend its life until it can be repaved.

The entire Sunriver area project is expected to cost $9.8 million.

For information on the project, you can check out the county page: https://deschutescountyor.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=1&ID=1686&Inline=True