ODOT contractor to begin slide repairs on Highway 131 (Old Netarts Highway)

A contractor working for the Oregon Department of Trannsportation will begin construction to repair a 250-foot section of Old Netarts Highway (Highway 131) at milepost 1.9 starting on Monday, July 18. Named the Happy Camp Slide, the area continues to move slowly producing cracks and slumps in the road. The project could take 4 to 6 weeks to complete.

During construction, Highway 131 will be closed near Happy Camp Road effective at 8 a.m. on Monday. Oceanside traffic will be detoured on to county roads Bayocean and Cape Mears Loop. As long as the work and slide stability allows, ODOT will try to keep a lane open on Highway 131 for emergency vehicles only. Since late June, the road had been open to one lane of traffic with two-way traffic controlled with yield signs.

The construction plan should provide a long-term solution to the problem. It includes building a rock buttress at the bottom of the slide area to stabilize it. It then calls for repairs to the highway that includes a retaining wall type structure (sheet pile wall), new guardrail, erosion control, paving and striping.

ODOT has been working with Tillamook County to patch and repair the detour route in anticipation of the closure. The detour route will require slower speeds and more care by motorists. The detour route will allow motorists to travel back and forth between the Oceanside community and Tillamook. The Netarts community will continue to use Highway 131. Signs will be in place to direct motorists to the detour or remain on Highway 131 depending on their destination.

Motorists should proceed with caution while using the detour route and expect longer travel times. ODOT has asked the contractor to work extended 12 hour days to expedite the project. No work is planned on weekends unless conditions dictate.