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Construction will close sections of East Vilas Road By Mail Tribune staff Updated: Jun 16, 2022 08:56 AM A A Drivers will need to detour around sections of East Vilas Road that are being rebuilt this summer. File photo Drivers will need to use detours Sections of East Vilas Road near Central Point will be closed for much of the summer as part of a major reconstruction project, according to the Jackson County Roads and Parks Department. The company Knife River is carrying out the work. The first closure will affect East Vilas Road from McLoughlin Drive to Foothill Road. The closure begins June 27 and is expected to last four weeks. Once that section is complete, the contractor will move to the west end of the project, closing the section from McLoughlin Drive to Crater Lake Avenue for an additional four weeks. Drivers should be prepared to detour around the construction area via Corey Road. The closed portions will remain open to local traffic to serve residents living on the road. Closures will not affect the heavily traveled section of East Vilas between Highway 62 and Table Rock Road, according to Jackson County. “The improvements will make for a safer road for those on foot, on bike and in vehicles. We are excited for the project to be complete,” Jackson County Roads and Parks Director Steve Lambert said in a press release. “There is no good time for road construction and closures, but a little inconvenience this summer will result in much needed improvements in the long run.” The entire project to rebuild East Vilas Road between Crater Lake Avenue and Foothill Road started in April and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. Work includes construction of a cement-strengthened base. The current road base is causing significant pavement failure, resulting in a very rough ride for travelers, county officials said. The road will be widened to include seven-foot-wide paved shoulders. The paved shoulders will allow for safer bicycle and pedestrian use of the road, in addition to providing a “recovery” area for drivers that veer off beyond the white fog line, officials said. “Historically the road is very unforgiving, with little room to recover if drivers drift out of their lane,” Jackson County Engineer Mike Kuntz said in the press release. For updates on construction projects affecting Jackson County roads, see jacksoncountyor.org/roads .