While traffic into and out of Brookings along Highway 101 may be slower than usual due to the sinkhole in Harbor and resulting detour, the City of Brookings is still accessible and open for business.
Following the collapse of Shopping Center Avenue yesterday, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) closed off all four lanes of Highway 101 adjacent to the sink hole. Traffic is being diverted down Lower Harbor Road with access points at the Chetco River Bridge to the north and West Benham Lane to the south. The right hand, northbound lane at Benham Lane, to the southern entrance to the South Coast Shopping Center has also been left open for access to businesses and residences in that area.
ODOT representatives report that the closure of Highway 101 is a precautionary measure; until they can get a look at the pipe that lies under the highway, they are unable to determine how compromised the other lanes may be. The detour will be in effect until either Shopping Center Avenue is restored or ODOT is able to determine that the highway at that location is stable.
ODOT also advises that they are working on a solution to help with the resulting congestion at Highway 101 and North Bank Chetco River Road.
For updates on Highway 101, ODOT advises using Trip Check by calling (800) 977-6368, or by visiting the Trip Check website and selecting the Southwest Region at location US101 MP 358.6.
Information regarding the collapse/closure of Shopping Center Avenue should be directed to the County Road Department at (541) 247-7097.