Dennis L. Edwards tunnel in US to be refurbished

Published: 18-Mar-2010

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced that it will engage in only the repairing part of the Dennis L. Edwards tunnel on US Highway 26, instead of increasing the height of the tunnel.

Dennis L. Edwards Tunnel project propose to reline the existing tunnel, improve drainage and lighting and increase the vertical clearance of the tunnel. The existing tunnel is 800 feet long with a 26 feet roadway and was built in 1940.

The liner of the tunnel is a composite of mostly the original timber arch ribs which are beginning to show some rot and leakage and require repairs. The illumination system has become old and not functioning well. A portion of the tunnel collapsed in 1999 and required emergency repairs.

Work would begin at the end of 2010 and is expected to be completed by May 2011. According to the officials, the tunnel will be closed about ten hours a night from Sunday through Thursday nights for 12 weeks, but will remain open on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as weekdays, weekends, holidays and during spring break.

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