Bend, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced that construction work will soon begin on two irrigation canal bridges along Oregon Highway 126. The project, aimed at widening and replacing guardrails, is designed to enhance safety for travelers, but drivers should be prepared for significant traffic delays.

Starting in early February, ODOT will begin reducing traffic to a single lane at two locations along the highway. The first location, near the North Unit Canal Bridge at milepost 3 near the Redmond Airport, will experience lane reductions starting Monday, February 3. Traffic will be controlled 24/7 by temporary portable traffic signals, and the work is expected to last approximately four weeks.

The second location, at the COID Canal Bridge near milepost 10.5 in Powell Butte, will see similar delays beginning Monday, March 3. Flaggers will manage traffic flow around the bridge, with work also expected to take about four weeks.

ODOT advises travelers to anticipate delays of up to 20 minutes at both locations. The ongoing project is part of a larger, $13.6 million investment in the highway, which includes not only the bridge improvements but also repaving and upgrades to curb ramps and sidewalks along the stretch of road.

With construction scheduled to begin soon, ODOT encourages drivers to plan accordingly and consider alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.