Jefferson County's fall road maintenance push is well underway, with two active projects affecting drivers across the county this week — one serving the remote eastern communities and another bringing fresh pavement to residential streets near Madras.
Pony Butte Road: Delays Through Mid-October
Drivers heading toward Ashwood should plan for construction delays on Pony Butte Road, where crews are wrapping up a major roadway reconstruction project. The road is currently closed to through traffic, with delays of up to 20 minutes expected while work is ongoing.
The project involves full-depth reclamation, new asphalt paving, road widening, and site work covering approximately 11,500 square yards of roadway. Construction is expected to conclude by mid-October.
Pony Butte Road is the primary land connection between Madras and Ashwood, one of Jefferson County's most remote communities. Ashwood residents rely on this route for access to medical care, groceries, and services in Madras — meaning the road's condition has outsized importance relative to its traffic volume.
Once complete, the rebuilt road surface should deliver years of improved driving conditions for residents making the roughly 35-mile trip between Madras and Ashwood.
Residential Streets: Green Drive, Highland Drive, Colfax Lane
Closer to town, contractor JAL Construction has begun a pavement overlay project on Green Drive, Highland Drive, and Colfax Lane. The work is being carried out under Jefferson County's Pavement Management program, which prioritizes road surfaces based on condition assessments and long-term cost-effectiveness.
Residents on or near those streets should expect temporary access disruptions while paving equipment is active in the area. The county is asking drivers to use alternate routes when possible and to follow all flagger instructions at active work zones.
Also This Week: Weed Advisory Committee
The Jefferson County Weed Advisory Committee holds its regular meeting today, Thursday, October 15, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the county Public Works facility at 715 SE Grizzly Road in Madras. The committee reviews noxious weed control priorities and advises county staff on management strategies for invasive plant species — a significant ongoing challenge given Jefferson County's mix of rangeland, agricultural land, and high-desert terrain.
Road Network at a Glance
Jefferson County Public Works maintains a substantial road network including approximately 250 miles of gravel roads and 90 miles of unimproved dirt roads, in addition to paved county roads. The fall season is a critical window for road work — getting paving done before winter rains and frost sets in helps ensure better durability through the cold months.
For current road project maps, schedules, and updates, visit the Pavement Management section at jeffersoncountyor.gov/publicworks.