ODOT News Release - Temporary I-5 SB off-ramp opens Tuesday

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 06/27/2014 09:34 AM PDT

June 27, 2014                                                                                                                R3-44-14

                                                                                                                                                      

Temporary I-5 SB off-ramp opens Tuesday

PHOENIX — A temporary Interstate 5 southbound off-ramp will open early Tuesday, July 1 at the Phoenix exit 24. The existing off-ramp will close to facilitiate construction work. This is the next major traffic change related to the $72 million Fern Valley Interchange project.

The Fern Valley Interchange project runs through September 2016. When complete, exit 24 will feature Oregon’s first Diverging Diamond Interchange, which uses a narrower footprint to move traffic safely and efficiently while saving right of way costs.

Southbound I-5 motorists using exit 24 will see a 20 MPH speed sign due to a shorter deceleration lane and off-ramp. Rumble strips will be added to the off-ramp to alert motorists (see attached graphic).

“This won’t be business as usual,” said ODOT Project Manager Tim Fletcher. “Both temporary southbound ramps will be controlled by a traffic signal in the southwest interchange quadrant. In addition, a new, temporary roadway will open west of the I-5 bridge.”

The temporary ramps and roads will allow prime contractor Hamilton Construction to begin rebuilding the existing Fern Valley Road between the Luman Road intersection and I-5.

50 MPH Work Zone Speed Limit

The I-5 work zone speed limit is 50 MPH. Oregon State Police will continue to enforce the work zone speed limit. Traffic fines double in Oregon work zones. This is in effect whether or not workers are present.

“Reducing speeds through the work zone is critical for driver and worker safety,” said Fletcher. “Much of the work is transitioning to the bridge and ramps next to interstate traffic. Typically, those hurt in work zone crashes are the drivers and their passengers.”

##ODOT##

GARY LEAMING, PIO

Voice:  (541) 774-6388; Cell: (541) 621-3074

Gary.W.Leaming@odot.state.or.us