Coastal bridges may not survive quake; Storm swings north; ODNRA works on slowing an invader; and Medicare selection assistance available.

Oregon Coast could be isolated following large quake…

The outlook is not good for Oregon bridges in a major earthquake. A study released this week concludes that Highway 101 would be impassable, all connections from the coast to the Willamette Valley would be broken and only small parts of Interstate 5 would be passable. The 62-page report was compiled by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Portland State University. Its conclusions are based on a major Cascadia subduction zone earthquake off the Oregon Coast, which geologists estimate has a ten to 14 percent chance of happening in the next 50 years. According to the report, a large quake of up to 9.0 magnitude could knock down or damage more than 1,000 bridges including nearly every one on Highway 101. A quake could also trigger landslides that would block more roadways. ODOT Spokesman Dave Thompson says it could cost $3-billion to bring all those bridges up to modern seismic standards. He adds the value of the study is to identify which should be upgraded first in order to help keep crucial highways open in the event of a big quake.

The central coast was spared much of what forecasters feared could strike yesterday. The highest winds were recorded along the northern coast, including a 95-mile an hour gust at Cape Foulweather just north of Newport. A similar gust was reported in the Heceta Beach are near Florence and just north of Waldport. Up to two inches of rain fell along the north coast, prompting the issuance of a flood watch for the North Coast.

Work began last week on slowing down an invader. A brush clearing crew began mowing a 35acre patch of Scotch Broom in the South Jetty area. It’s the largest patch of the noxious weed to be found on the Siuslaw National Forest according to Dan Eddy. Eddy, a wildland fuels specialist, says the aim is to reduce the spread of seed pods which are easily spread by vehicles in high use areas. Certain areas wiill be closed during the process, but popular off-road vehicle use areas and beach access will not be impacted.

Some people with Medicare have to select new health insurance plans and others will want to review the one they have along with their prescription program. That can be confusing says Lisa Emerson, the manager of the state’s Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program. She says saving money can be important, but the different plans can be complex. Her agency provides unbiased help during the Medicare Enrollment season that runs through December 31st. That help, she says, is just a phone call away at 800-722- 4134.

TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:

College Basketball:

One game last night … Paul Westhead made his women’s college coaching debut a successful one as the Oregon Women ran past Eastern Washington 86 – 48 at Mac Court. Taylor Lilley had a career-high seven 3-pointers on 14 attempts and ended the night with 28 points.

Athlete of the Week:

Siuslaw Football standout Sonny Tupua is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The Viking running back finished the season with 1460 yards rushing leaving him at number two on the all-time list for single-season rushing yardage at Siuslaw High School. Tupua also scored 17 touchdowns on the season, placing him fifth overall on that list. Honorable Mention is given to Eric Tipler who ended the season with 339 yards, placing him 13th on the all time Siuslaw list for receiving yardage in a single season.