Drivers traveling through downtown Grants Pass should prepare for a temporary traffic disruption next week as infrastructure improvements move forward along a key local corridor. City officials have announced a scheduled road closure on Evelyn Avenue to accommodate underground utility work that will require restricted vehicle access for most of the day.
On Monday, February 23, 2026, Evelyn Avenue will be closed to through traffic between 6th Street and Washington Boulevard from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The closure is necessary to allow crews to safely install a new manhole as part of ongoing maintenance and improvement efforts to the city’s underground utility system. Work of this nature requires heavy equipment and excavation within the roadway, making full through access unsafe for regular traffic during construction hours.
While the closure will prevent normal traffic flow, access will remain available for residents and businesses located within the affected area. Motorists traveling through downtown are encouraged to plan ahead and expect delays, particularly during peak daytime hours. Clearly marked detours will guide drivers around the work zone, helping maintain traffic circulation throughout surrounding streets.
Emergency vehicles will continue to have access through the closure area if needed, ensuring that public safety services remain uninterrupted while construction is underway. Officials are advising commuters, delivery drivers, and visitors to avoid the immediate area whenever possible and to use alternate routes to minimize congestion.
Short-term closures such as this are part of routine infrastructure upgrades that help maintain reliable sewer and stormwater systems beneath city streets. Though temporary inconveniences can occur, these projects are intended to support long-term functionality and reduce the likelihood of larger service disruptions in the future.
Community members seeking additional details about the project or traffic impacts may contact Robco at 541-476-2132 for updated information related to the closure and construction schedule. Residents are encouraged to stay alert for posted signage and exercise caution when traveling near active work zones.