Hwy 26’s ‘The Bump’ to be repaired after season of sending cars airborne

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Road crews are coming to U.S. 26 — and it’s in the same spot as “The Bump” that frequently sent cars airborne until just a few months ago.

The major roadwork near Milepost 13 — roughly 20 miles east of Seaside — is set to begin Monday, Aug. 18 as crews work to excavate ditches on both sides of the road, install several new drainpipes with rock and filter fabric, repave asphalt, and more.

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, drivers should expect “significant delays” as traffic will be reduced by one lane in each direction Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The repairs come months after crews removed roughly 100 feet of asphalt in the same area that had been damaged and turned into an “upside-down slide”

For months, the sunken grade sent cars into the air, despite a previously posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour. Locals dubbed it “The Bump,” as first reported by KOIN 6 News last March.

According to ODOT, a geographical “slide” in the area causes the road to shift as underground water pressure pushes the pavement upward, adding the location has been “particularly active” this year.

Since repairs began in March, a 25 mph speed limit has been in effect. The limit is expected to be in place until repairs are finished.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.