MADRAS, OR -- Jefferson County and the Oregon Department of Transportation will permanently close access to Bear Drive and Eureka Lane from Highway 97 on Wednesday. The intersections south of Madras have a history of serious and fatal crashes.

Crews will install a concrete barrier where Bear Drive meets Highway 97. Ford Lane and Falcon Lane were recently repaved to handle increased traffic due to this closure, and design teams are working on new turn lanes at Dover. Construction of that project is slated for 2023.