Questions surrounding repeated late night truck activity at Merlin Airport prompted further inquiry this week, leading Josephine County Commissioner Ron Smith to release detailed information explaining the source and purpose of the traffic. The clarification follows multiple resident complaints submitted to the county after vehicle movement was observed at the airport well past 10 p.m. on several weeknights. Community members living near the airport reported increased noise, rumbling engines, flashing vehicle lights, and unfamiliar patterns of traffic, raising concerns about ongoing nighttime operations and whether they were authorized.
After those concerns were first reported publicly, residents said they waited for updates from county leadership, airport management, or project officials but did not receive additional information. With little visible action occurring after the initial wave of complaints, follow up inquiries were submitted to the airport and the Board of County Commissioners requesting confirmation regarding who was accessing airport property, why the traffic was taking place at night, and whether any changes had been made in response to citizens living nearby.
Commissioner Smith, who was the only county official to return messages from the Tribune regarding the matter, responded directly to those inquiries and confirmed that the trucks belong to Knife River, a regional construction company currently working on a state project along Interstate 5. According to Smith, the company is participating in a major highway improvement effort that includes removing several elevated sections of roadway, leveling areas of uneven grade, and preparing the interstate for an upcoming resurfacing phase. That work requires the removal of significant volumes of dirt, rock, and roadway material, which then must be transported offsite for disposal or reuse.
In an email sent to explain the ongoing activity, Smith wrote, “Knife River is currently working on a major project on I-5, removing some unwanted hills along the highway in preparation for a large resurfacing effort. The airport offered them a place to unload the excess dirt, and in turn, the airport needs that fill material for the new taxiway.” He stated that the arrangement benefits both entities by ensuring the airport receives needed fill while reducing transportation distance for the contractor.
Smith said the hauling has been occurring for approximately one month and that the airport has been receiving consistent loads during that time. However, noise concerns appear to have increased only within the past week. According to Smith, that change coincided with an adjustment in truck speed during nighttime deliveries. “Within the last week they were asked to slow the trucks down while delivering their loads. After speaking with the Airport Manager this morning, I believe that change in speed is what caused the recent increase in noise,” Smith wrote. He added that trucks moving at lower speeds tend to operate under heavier strain, creating louder engine output. Smith said the trucks have since been asked to return to previous operating speeds, which should reduce noise levels for nearby residents.
Smith also noted that Knife River is not working for the airport and is not being paid by Josephine County for the hauling activity. “Knife River is not contracted by the airport for the highway project. The airport simply needed fill material and offered a location for them to dump it. I’m confident the I-5 project contract is between Knife River and the State, so the airport has very limited control over how Knife River conducts their operations,” Smith wrote. He stated that because the project is managed by state officials and not the county or airport, control over scheduling, transportation methods, and operating timelines remains limited.
Residents had questioned why the hauling was taking place so late in the evening instead of during daytime hours. Smith did not specify the reason for the nighttime schedule but indicated that such decisions are generally tied to construction timelines, workforce availability, road safety considerations, or restrictions intended to minimize traffic disruption along major travel corridors.
Smith encouraged residents who continue experiencing noise concerns to contact Knife River directly so the company can assess and respond. While the airport offered the disposal location, Smith stated that operational control belongs to the contractor, and therefore any adjustments to timing, routing, or mitigation efforts would need to be handled at the company level.
As of this week, neither airport management nor the remaining county commissioners have issued a public statement regarding the hauling schedule or whether changes may be implemented moving forward. No information has been released outlining how long the hauling will continue or how much additional fill material the airport expects to receive during the project.
The Merlin Airport is bordered by residential neighborhoods where sound travels easily during nighttime hours, leading many residents to emphasize the need for continued communication. While some said they understand the necessity of regional infrastructure improvements, they expressed hope that ongoing updates will be provided if the hauling schedule changes, increases, or extends beyond originally anticipated timelines.
Smith stated he remains available to request additional information if needed and will continue relaying responses from airport management or project officials. He closed his email by saying, “Please let me know if you need anything else,” signaling willingness to maintain communication as the situation evolves.
The Grants Pass Tribune will continue monitoring the issue, requesting documents, and reporting updates as they become available.