Paving project to begin on Hwy. 20 east of Bend

Crews from High Desert Aggregate and Paving, under contract with the Oregon Department of Transportation, have begun preliminary work on 7.5-mile paving project on U.S. Highway 20 east of Bend, officials said Wednesday,

ODOT said the purpose of the project is to improve roadway condition and safety through pavement preservation and other improvements along this section of highway.

Construction efforts to date have been limited to surveying and sign installation, but highway surface grinding and paving will get started next Monday.

The $3.6 million project involves repaving the highway from the Powell Butte Highway intersection to the intersection with the Horse Ridge Frontage Road, a distance of about 7.5 miles.

During daytime hours, Monday through Friday, workers will grind out the existing highway surface, repave it, and install new signage in the process. Motorists will be limited to a single lane controlled by flaggers and a pilot car and can expect delays up to 20 minutes.

The project is due to be completed by early June, dependent upon weather conditions, officials said.