Update: Oregon Coast Beach Bacteria Warning, Highway Delays

Published 07/20/2016 at 8:21 PM PDT - Updated 07/21/2016 at 3:51 PM PDT
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Oregon Coast) – UPDATED: the Lincoln City beach warning has expired. One beach in the Lincoln City area how has restrictions on contact with the water, and some traffic issues will start soon on Highway 6. (Above: D River Beach in Lincoln City).

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued a bacteria warning for the D River Beach in Lincoln City, on the central Oregon coast. OHA issued the alert on Tuesday, saying it had found higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in the ocean waters in that spot.

Water samples indicate higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria, which can result in diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses.

OHA said direct contact with the water should be avoided in this area until the advisory is lifted, especially by children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to waterborne bacteria.

These warnings are usually lifted within a day or two, however this was still in effect as of late Wednesday night.

Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

OHA said that while the advisory for the D River State Recreation Site is in effect, visitors should avoid wading in creeks and pools of water on the beach or those that are nearby. Also, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after any rainstorm.

Although state officials advise against water contact, they continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory. Neighboring beaches are not affected by this advisory.

There are no other beach advisories on the Oregon coast at this time.

You can keep up with the status of this advisory on the Oregon coast at the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website: http://www.healthoregon.org/beach. Call 971-673-0400, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

Farther north, on the route between Portland and Tillamook, Highway 6 will undergo some paving and traffic restrictions. Contractors working for Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will be paving a section of OR 6 (Wilson River Highway) 20 miles east of Tillamook starting on July 25. Paving will be between mileposts 20.7 and 23.35.

The work and traffic problems are predicted to be over on August 9. Those heading to and from this part of the north Oregon coast can expect up to 20 minute delays from around 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during paving operations. There will be single lane closures with flaggers and pilot cars controlling two-way traffic.

While the paving should be completed within four days, more work on the shoulders – as well as striping – will continue the traffic issues until August 9. See up-to-the-minute Oregon Coast Traffic Conditions. More of D River and Highway 6 / Tillamook below:

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