Thursday, September 17, 2026 / Springfield to Vida / McKenzie Valley
Highway 126 paving shifts to Monday, with flaggers through October 1
Six stretches between Springfield and Vida are due for paving, while separate drainage work continues near Goodpasture Covered Bridge.
The next round of Highway 126 work is expected to begin Monday, September 21, rather than this week. The $1.43 million contract covers six sections between mileposts 11 and 38, adding up to about 5.5 miles of pavement.
Crews plan to work from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays through October 1. Drivers should expect intermittent lane closures, flaggers, pilot cars and small delays; weather can still move the schedule.
Near milepost 25.7 by Goodpasture Covered Bridge, ODOT maintenance crews are separately clearing debris and improving drainage where post-fire groundwater has repeatedly pushed water onto the highway. That work includes about 250 feet of protective fencing and hillside reinforcement before winter.
Field notes
What changed: ODOT's paving start moved to September 21, with work planned on six OR 126 sections through October 1.
Why it matters: The route is the main east-west road through the McKenzie Valley, and weekday lane controls can add travel time between Springfield and Vida.
Who may be affected: Highway 126 drivers, McKenzie Valley residents, school and service trips, and people heading to recreation sites upriver.