Delayed Hwy. 126 canal work east of Redmond begins Monday night; 2nd project in Powell Butte delayed until fall

(Update: First project set to begin; 2nd delayed to fall)
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Department of Transportation advised Monday it's about to begin the first of two delayed projects to widen and replace guardrails on two irrigation canal bridges to make traveling on Oregon Highway 126 safer and easier for everyone. But it also advised, "This upcoming work will cause delays."
The first project, which originally was set to begin on Monday, Feb. 3, instead gets started Monday night, having been delayed two weeks due to the recent winter weather, according to ODOT Region 4 Community Affairs Meghan Blyth.
Blyth told KTVZ News on Monday the second planned single-lane closure on Highway 126, at the COID Canal Bridge in Powell Butte, has been delayed until this fall.
ODOT says travelers should expect delays of up to 20 minutes for both locations.
- Beginning Monday night: The North Unit canal bridge (milepost 3, near the Redmond Airport) traffic will be reduced to a single lane and controlled 24/7 with temporary portable traffic signals installed at either end of the bridge for approximately 4 weeks.
- Delayed until fall: The COID canal bridge (milepost 10.5, in Powell Butte) traffic will be reduced to a single lane and controlled 24/7 by flaggers for approximately 4 weeks.
Both are part of a larger, $13.6 million project that includes repaving of that stretch of highway, as well as curb ramp and sidewalk improvements.
Visit ODOT's project website for more information or contact Meghan Blyth, community affairs coordinator.