Coos Bay Bridge to Remain Closed

24 October 2014
A work enclosure for contractors working on a corrosion abatement project on the northern arches of the 62 year old structure shifted in high winds Wednesday, moving it 60 feet.  It's not clear if the movement was related to the death of a Florence man working on the project.  (Oregon Dept. of Transportation photo)
A work enclosure for contractors working on a corrosion abatement project on the northern arches of the 62 year old structure shifted in high winds Wednesday, moving it 60 feet. It’s not clear if the movement was related to the death of a Florence man working on the project. (Oregon Dept. of Transportation photo)

McCulloch Bridge to remain closed…

Highway 101 over the historic McCulloch Bridge in Coos County will remain blocked at least through Saturday.

The Oregon Department of Transportation and contractor crews are working to stabilize the project enclosure attached to the bridge that shifted approximately 60-feet out of place Wednesday afternoon.

It’s not clear if that’s what led to an accident that claimed the life of a Florence man who was working on the project. 52-year old Mark Fortune died when his pickup truck fell from a work platform beneath the bridge into the bay.

Local traffic is being detoured along East Bay Drive and onto the Coos River Highway and motorists are advised to use caution on the narrow road. Trucks are being advised to use Interstate Five.