Travel delays come to OR 22 between Big Cliff Dam, Detroit Lake for road work

May is traditionally the month that kicks off the road construction season in the Pacific Northwest and drivers on Oregon 22 near the Big Cliff Dam have already experienced delays due to repaving and other work in the area.

Oregon 22 is a main route to and from the Willamette Valley and central and eastern Oregon. It’s also a popular recreation route as it runs along Detroit Lake and through the Mount Jefferson Wilderness.

The Oregon Department of Transportation is working on making that drive a lot smoother by resurfacing the pavement on a nearly 7-mile stretch of the highway between the Big Cliff Dam and the Mongold Day Use Area (see map). Crews will also be working on bridge repairs and replacing guardrails and barriers. ​

Some of the work has already started, and ODOT says travelers should be ready for delays in the construction zone through summer. Flaggers or pilot cars will control traffic through single lanes in the work zone and delays are expected to stay under 20 minutes, according to David House, Region 2 ODOT communications director.

Drivers are reminded to keep themselves and workers safe by using extra caution in work zones. Limit driving distractions and keep your eyes on road signs, flaggers, and warning devices.

Crews will generally work 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursday, and occasionally on Fridays through May. Night work and paving will begin in June.

Visit TripCheck.com​ for the most current traffic information.​ ODOT maintains a project webpage here: OR 22: Big Cliff Dam – Mongold Slide.