ODOT SW Oregon News Release - Merlin's northbound I-5 off-ramp closes May 18

May 11, 2015                                                                                                                 R3-18-15

                                                                                                                                                    

Merlin’s northbound I-5 off-ramp closes May 18

Project open house is May 14 at Fleming Middle School

GRANTS PASS — The northbound Interstate 5 off-ramp for Merlin Exit 61 will close Monday, May 18. This construction work is expected to be completed by noon on Friday, May 22.

Local traffic will need use local detours, such as Highland Avenue. A signed detour for commercial vehicles will direct traffic to the I-5 Hugo Exit 66.

A drop-in, open house for the $2.2 million improvement project will be held Thursday, May 14 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Fleming Middle School, 6001 Monument Drive.

Prime contractor JRT Construction of Oakland, Oregon is making safety and operational improvements to the rural interchange.

“The closure to rebuild the off-ramp should be the biggest inconvenience to travelers, but it’s necessary to build a dual left-turn lane,” said ODOT Project Manager Ted Paselk. “The construction schedule is timed to finish this stage before the busy summer tourist season.”

The improvement project website is http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION3/Pages/I-5-Exit-61.aspx. The project will:

• Add a second northbound lane and new traffic signal at the end of the off-ramp;
• Construct a westbound receiving lane on Merlin Road to Monument Drive, and a right-turn lane onto Monument Drive;
• Modify the existing signal at Merlin Road and Monument Drive; and
• Add a new signal at Highland Avenue and Merlin Road.

 

GARY LEAMING, PIO

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

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

 

 

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