Cape Creek Bridge Getting Makeover

Smoking ban proposed for State Parks; Grammy Winner coming to Winter Folk; and Elks Share Pair of Holiday Gifts.

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Local News

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Million Dollar Mile Getting Makeover….

Cracked concrete and an outdated metal rail will be removed and replaced with a safer and historically accurate rail.  (Oregon Department of Transportation photo).
Cracked concrete and an outdated metal rail will be removed and replaced with a safer and historically accurate rail. (Oregon Department of Transportation photo).

Travelers on Highway 101 11-miles north of Florence will see restrictions over the Cape Creek Bridge over the next few months as crews replace the rails and sidewalks on the 80-year old structure.

Rick Little with the Oregon Department of Transportation says the contractor is moving equipment into place this week.

Rick Little – “First thing that will have to happen is the rail and sidewalk on one side of the bridge will have to be removed.”

One of noted bridge engineer Conde McCulloch's designs, the Cape Creek Bridge completed the "million-dollar mile" that included a tunnel. (Oregon Department of Transportation photo).
One of noted bridge engineer Conde McCulloch’s designs, the Cape Creek Bridge completed the “million-dollar mile” that included a tunnel. (Oregon Department of Transportation photo).

Traffic will be limited to one line for two one-week periods during the project, and a special containment structure will be put in place to protect visitors to the Heceta Lighthouse State Park.

The $2.2-million restoration project will be on what was at one time called “the million dollar mile”.

Rick Little – “Back when the Cape Creek tunnel, and the bridge itself, were built, there were so many technical challenges that were presented that it was a very expensive roadway and it was sort of nicknamed the million dollar mile.”

Little says the entire project should be completed by May and motorists should be prepared to expect delays during several phases of the work.

A link to a history of the Cape Creek Bridge can be found here.

Smoking ban considered at state parks

Smokers at Oregon State Parks may want to switch to the patch.  A rule under consideration by the Oregon Parks Commission would put smoking off-limits in most areas of state parks by 2015.

Chris Havel with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department says the propose rule follows an executive order issued by the Governor to reduce public exposure to secondhand smoke.

The rule would also help limit the problem of discarded cigarette butts that never really go away.

Havel says if approved, smoking would be banned on hiking trails, picnic areas and common areas of campgrounds.

Campers could still light up in their personal campsites… and it would still be ok to smoke on the beach.

Winter Folk Festival Season Passes

Nine different folk music acts and a kids concert program are on tap for the 2014 Winter Folk Festival coming up January 18th and 19th at the Florence Events Center.

The Brothers Four, one of the longest continually running groups in the nation, will be the Saturday headliner at the festival.  They started in Seattle in 1957.

The other headliner will be Grammy winner John McEuen… a long time member of the folk-rock Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  He’s recorded dozens of albums individually and collectively; plus plays multiple instruments.

McEuen, the Brothers Four and seven other acts will perform in late January.

Organizers are once again offering up their gift idea of season passes for the two-day festival of jam sessions; concerts and crafts for only $100.  They’re available at the FEC.

Elks Christmas Gifts

The Florence Elks Lodge is offering a couple of different Christmas activities over the next few days.  Saturday they’ll host their annual Children’s Christmas Party at the lodge on 12th street from one to three.

Entertainment will include the Coastal Fitness Gymnastic troupe; a bell choir and a line dancing group.  There’ll be treats and gifts for the kids; plus a visit by Santa Claus… there’s no cost.

On Christmas Day, the Lodge will once again host their free Community Christmas Dinner from noon to three.  River Cities Taxi will once again provide free transportation inside city limits to and from the dinner.