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Almost every year, a portion of Oregon Route 101 on the Oregon Coast south of Seaside closes down because of flooding.

Clatsop County Public Works Director Ed Wegner said this winter could be the last during which motorists find themselves cut off from the main roads to Tillamook and Salem.

Henderson LLC, an environmental design and construction firm in Lake Oswego, has been hired to remove earthen berms and road fill along the Necanicum River and nearby property to protect the highway from flooding.

“Flooding has been a big problem over the years, especially with a lot of localized rain and high tide influences,” said Wegner. “Our consultant, North Coast Land Conservancy, recommended this project.”

Removal of the berms will allow water from the river to flow onto adjacent fields rather than flooding the high way.

County commissioners, at their Nov. 7 meeting, said motorists along the coast are getting more than little frustrated with the almost-annual flooding.

鈥淭he troops are grumbling down there pretty loudly now,鈥� said County Commissioner Debra Birkby.

Wagner said the work should be done by next September. Crews from Henderson will also help control erosion by planting trees and plants.

Funding for the project comes from the Oregon Department of Transportation. Wegner said the total cost of the project should between $700,000 and $800,000.