Road crews are out in force this month on or around traffic thoroughfares in the Gorge.
    Bright orange will be the dominant color, in traffic barriers, signs and workers’ clothing.
    Look for crews preparing for bridge replacement on Interstate 84 at exit 64 in Hood River, extensive paving between mile posts 32 to 47 between Multnomah Falls and Cascade Locks, and bridge repair work at Mosier Creek, milepost 70.

There will be intermittent daytime single-lane closures throughout the week; also, watch for roadside work crews and equipment.

Meanwhile, expect traffic delays and detours on State Route 14 in Washington as crews address rock-fall concerns west of White Salmon and  at Dog Mountain.

Crews will close SR 14 west of the Hood River bridge at times, creating a detour through White Salmon to State Route 114. For regular updates, go to:

www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/SR14

Mainly, remember to slow down in construction zones, and remember that highway crews want to get home to dinner, too.

Grads’ party

Now is the time to help the effort

Among Hood River valley’s biggest traditions is the annual graduation night party.
    Support is gaining for Project Graduation 2010 and now is the time to get behind this worthwhile community-wide effort, set for June 4 after the commencement ceremony.

It may be nearly three months away, but there is plenty of planning to do. Each year parents of seniors, and other supporters, rally a wide collection of donations to make the drug- and alcohol-free graduation night party a memorable one for the newly matriculated young people.

Volunteers and prize donations are needed for the party; to learn how to get involved call Angela Hunter, 541-400-4000, or Melissa DelCarpine, 541-399-3729.

n

Meanwhile, be thinking of your “best wishes” for high school and college graduates this year. Hood River News will publish brief messages for the class of 2010, to be published in May. What message of encouragement and support would you send forth to the new graduates?

Limit your message to 50 words or fewer; send them by May 1 to Graduation Message, hrnews@hoodrivernews.com.