City Readies for Re-Vision
When preparing a city for a major construction commitment such as the revision Florence project there are a lot organizational issues working between government agencies. There are state, federal, county and city agencies to consider when coordinating construction as well as public utilities. And what makes this project even more daunting is the possibility that in addition to all the new construction there will likely still be lingering bridge construction. City manager Erin Reynolds says they are preparing for that possibility.
“One of the contacts at ODOT that we have been working with is the project manager for that project his name is Steve Templin. And of course their regional manager at ODOT is Frannie Brendle and she is great.”
The other big concern Reynolds says is the fact that Summer is the time when most construction has to be done, and that is also our busiest time for tourists.
“A lot of night work and some creative uses of that space out there to make sure the traffic can flow in a reasonable manner and not and inhibitor to our economy”
The City of Florence believes that the project can be completed with minimal disruption to the increased summer time traffic.
River Drill Planned
The Western Lane Emergency Operations Group will be performing a training exercise on the river along the Port of Siuslaw property. It is scheduled to begin this Thursday around 10 am and involves the burning of a boat and river rescue techniques.
WLEOG will be utilizing the campground, dock, boat launch, and parking areas. The event is expected to be completed by 1PM. Multiple agencies will be partnering together to build their emergency response abilities. Peace Health, Western Lane Ambulance, Suislaw Valley Fire and Rescue, Port of Siuslaw, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Florence Police Department will all be participating. This is an on-Scene drill only and will not affect the emergency operations at Peace Harbor Hospital. Organizers say this event is of significant size and while onlookers are not being discouraged from observing, they are asking citizens to provide a wide berth and allow the emergency personnel to perform their specific duties.
Bridge Repairs Continue
Repairs on the Siuslaw river bridge continue to affect traffic. ODOT issued the work schedule for this week and it includes lane closures and delays as crews continue to replace railings and add seismic restraints to help prevent damage in the event of an earthquake. Motorists can expect delays up to 20 minutes.
Ribbon Cutting
The Florence area chamber of commerce is planning a ribbon cutting for the newly finished Rhododendron street project. It will be this Friday at 2 p.m.
