Motorists and residents in The Dalles should prepare for significant traffic disruptions starting Monday, April 20, as the city initiates the second phase of a utility project on Old Dufur Road. The upcoming work will trigger lane closures and restricted parking, affecting commuters and local businesses in the area.
The primary objective of this phase is the restoration of paved surfaces. Crews will focus on repairing sections of the roadway that were previously excavated to allow for the installation of new utility services. Because the work requires the use of heavy machinery, officials have implemented strict traffic and parking controls to ensure the safety of both workers and the public.
To alert drivers of the upcoming utility work on Old Dufur Road, a traffic message board will be positioned at the intersection of East 10th Street and Old Dufur Road. This signage is intended to warn motorists of one-lane restrictions and the high likelihood of delays as they approach the construction zone.
The project is being managed by the City of The Dalles, which has requested that the public exercise extreme caution, adhere to all posted traffic controls, and remain mindful of crews operating in the roadway.
Roadway Restrictions and Traffic Flow
The transition to a one-lane restriction means that traffic flow will be intermittent. Drivers should expect a “stop-and-move” pattern as crews manage the movement of vehicles through the active work zone. The intersection of East 10th Street and Old Dufur Road serves as a key marker for the project’s boundaries, making it the primary point for official traffic warnings.
Local authorities emphasize that these delays are necessary to facilitate the paving process. Repairing paved areas after utility installation is a critical step in returning the road to its full capacity and ensuring the long-term durability of the infrastructure. Failure to properly seal and pave these areas can lead to potholes or structural failures in the roadbed.
Parking Prohibitions and Equipment Access
One of the most significant impacts for residents and business owners will be the total prohibition of parking within the project area. This measure is mandatory to provide sufficient clearance for the large equipment required for paving and utility restoration.
To prevent vehicles from being trapped or towed, the city is employing a 48-hour notification system. Temporary “no parking” signs will be posted in each specific section of the project at least two days before work is scheduled to begin in that area. Residents are encouraged to monitor their street-side parking closely as the project progresses through different segments of the road.
Project Timeline and Coordination
The utility project is being executed in stages to minimize the total duration of the disruption. Phase 2 represents the “closing” stage of the utility installation process, where the focus shifts from underground infrastructure to surface restoration.
| Detail | Requirement/Date |
|---|---|
| Start Date | Monday, April 20 |
| Primary Focus | Paving and surface repair |
| Traffic Status | One-lane restrictions |
| Parking Notice | 48-hour advance signage |
This coordinated effort ensures that the new utility services are fully operational and secured before the final layer of asphalt is applied. By focusing on specific sections of the road, the city aims to keep a lane open for traffic, though the efficiency of this flow will depend on the volume of vehicles and the specific needs of the paving equipment.
Who Is Affected and How to Get Help
The disruption primarily affects residents of the Old Dufur Road corridor and those who use East 10th Street as a primary artery for navigating The Dalles. Business owners in the vicinity may see a temporary decrease in curbside accessibility, making the 48-hour parking warnings particularly critical for logistics and deliveries.
For those seeking real-time updates or specific details regarding the timeline of work in their particular block, the city has provided direct lines of communication. The City of The Dalles Public Works Department can be reached at 541-296-5401. Public Information Officer Amie Ell is available for inquiries via email at [email protected].
Public safety officials remind drivers that fines for ignoring traffic control devices in work zones are often increased, and more importantly, the risk of accidents increases when drivers attempt to bypass one-lane restrictions without guidance from flaggers or signage.
The next confirmed milestone for the project is the commencement of the paving work on Monday, April 20. Once Phase 2 is completed, the city will evaluate the surface integrity before fully reopening all lanes to standard traffic patterns.
We invite readers to share this update with local commuters and exit comments below regarding any traffic patterns or concerns in the Mid-Columbia region.
