Construction to begin on ORE140 around Klamath Lake

Stock photo

Expect delays with road construction around Upper Klamath Lake on Highway 140

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Road construction is expected to begin today on a section of Oregon Highway 140 west of Klamath Falls around Upper Klamath Lake (UKL) between the Howard Bay boat launch and the intersection of Lakeshore Drive.

Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) announced in a press release, “The Western Federal Lands Division of the Federal Highway Administration, in coordination and cooperation with the Oregon Department of Transportation and Klamath County, has contracted with Rocky Mountain Construction, L.L.C. to widen the pre-existing roadway prism of OR-140 West, outside of Klamath Falls, Oregon between milepost 56.92 to 58.75.”

The multi-year, multi-phase project includes the construction of new road embankments and clearing and grubbing along the 2-mile stretch of ORE140 that runs along UKL.

The Project involves new embankment construction that will allow for the expansion of the existing travel lanes from eleven feet to twelve feet, widen the road shoulder to six feet, realign the roadway, installation of guardrails, and rumble strips, provide additional parking facilities along the lake, providing space for an information kiosk, and the construction of upgraded or enhanced stormwater runoff treatment features. 

RMC has commenced work on the project, with scheduled project completion in the fall of 2025 (weather conditions permitting).

Beginning July 5, 2023, the work zone will be reduced to one lane of 2-way traffic, alternating east and westbound traffic utilizing flaggers, pilot cars, and traffic signals.

“Our scheduled work hours are Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM,” said RMC. “You can expect normal traffic delays of twenty minutes or less getting through the work zone from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday. At the end of each work day, the road will be opened back up to normal 2-lane-2-way traffic. 

Please remember to slow down in work zones.

A multi-year improvement project on Oregon Highway 140 west of Klamath Falls is set to begin July 5, 2023. (Map: Google)