Travelers along the Oregon Coast can breathe a sigh of relief as one lane of U.S. Highway 101 has reopened after a section of guardrail on the Necarney Creek Bridge collapsed on August 29. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) confirmed that repair work is set to begin in late September, but for now, traffic will be managed through a single lane.
The bridge was temporarily closed for about two hours on the day of the incident to allow for a safety inspection. Following the assessment, it was determined that the northbound lane was unsafe for vehicles due to the sharp edge created by the damaged guardrail. The affected section was part of the original sidewalk and guardrail, dating back to the bridge’s construction in 1937.
ODOT has stated that flaggers will continue to direct traffic through the reopened lane until repairs can be completed, although an exact timeline for the repairs has yet to be established. The bridge is located approximately four miles north of Manzanita, near the picturesque Oswald West State Park, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Motorists are advised to plan for extra travel time when passing through the area, especially as repair work is anticipated to extend into October. The ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure the safety of all travelers and restore full access to this vital route along the scenic Oregon Coast.
As the situation develops, ODOT will provide updates regarding the progress of the repairs and any changes to traffic patterns. For now, the reopening of one lane offers a temporary solution for those navigating this popular coastal highway.
