Safe Routes to School
Work continues on the Safe Routes to School construction on Oak Street as new sidewalks are being put in place. The grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation is being put to use to upgrade areas near and around the schools. The project is just one of several efforts underway funded by ODOT grants. Currently highway 101 southbound is undergoing crosswalk reconstruction as crews dig up old concrete that does not meet the current ADA standards. Traffic is limited to one lane beginning at 37th street to approximately 30th street as construction crews move southward. The Oregon Department of Transportation is predicting a February 2022 finish to the project depending upon weather conditions this winter.
Bridge Work
ODOT is finishing up the work on the Siuslaw River Bridge. The final piece of construction is placing new counterweights on the underside of the bridge. ODOT spokesperson Don Hamilton say while the work did impede upon transportation it was a necessary project. Infrastructure projects, specifically bridges and roadways have suffered setbacks over the past several decades and are one of the highest priorities in many municipalities across the nation. Several bridge failures over the past decade have put a renewed emphasis on maintaining and upgrading them. Hamilton says it will only be a little while longer.
“The Project is almost over it’s going to be ending up at the end of next week, by the 29th everything should be all done.”
Minor delays are still expected as work is completed.
COVID-19 Numbers
COVID-19 numbers continue to decrease over statewide as we move through the month of October. Florence is still seeing sporadic cases though but the numbers are fewer than in previous weeks. Yesterday Lane County Public Health reported two more cases for the 97439 zip code and 94 cases overall in the county. The Oregon Health Authority in its weekly report shows an 11% decrease in cases and is the seventh consecutive week with a decline in new cases. Hospitalizations are also decreasing down 9% from the previous week. One number that is not on the decline is deaths. The OHA reported a slight increase from the previous week reporting 4 more deaths totaling 183 for the week.
C.R.O.W. Event
If you like scary things this holiday season C.R.O.W. has come up with a new event to frighten you. This Thursday, Friday and Saturday beginning at 5 pm CROW will have a parking lot radio show. The show lasts 30 minutes and runs in a loop and will continue until 8pm. CROW is located at 3120 highway 101. The show will be repeated again next weekend and on Halloween.