U.S. Route 20 in Oregon - Route Straightening

Route Straightening

Construction on a portion of U.S. 20 between Newport and Corvallis, specifically, near Toledo to Eddyville, is being done to straighten and remove nearly three miles from the route, and make it easier for larger vehicles to travel. Construction began in 2005, but was halted in 2007 because of excessive unexpected landslides. The project recommenced in May 2008 with a better plan for stabilizing these landslide locations. The final construction was expected to be completed in 2011, but continuing earth movement at a bridge site has delayed the project again. ODOT and the contractor were in a dispute over liability and money, a settlement was agreed upon, and the original build contract has been rescinded. A new contractor is now on the job and because of the previous delays the completion date of the project has been postponed until fall of 2015.