I-5 motorists should be prepared for shopping, Civil War traffic this week

November 21, 2016                                              For more information: Lou Torres, 503-986-2880

11-249-R2                                                             email at:  louis.c.torres@odot.state.or.us

                                                                                             

I-5 motorists should be prepared for

Moonlight Madness traffic congestion

Thanksgiving shopping and Civil War to slow I-5 traffic this week

WOODBURN –ODOT is urging Thursday night travelers who use Interstate 5 between Portland and Salem to plan ahead because of anticipated heavy traffic congestion associated with shoppers arriving for the annual Woodburn Premium Outlet Stores 24-hour "Moonlight Madness" sale. Also, with the Civil War scheduled Saturday at 1 p.m. in Corvallis, there will be added congestion on I-5, OR 34 and OR 99W that day.

 

Each year, traffic can back up in both directions Thanksgiving night on I-5 near Exit 271 as travelers and shoppers converge in the Woodburn area. Oregon State Police troopers and ODOT concentrate patrol, enforcement and traffic assistance efforts on a four mile stretch near the interchange.

 

While the recently rebuilt Woodburn Interchange has significantly reduced overall traffic congestion in the area, the hundreds of additional holiday shoppers converging on the area could still encounter some backups on the I-5 off ramps at Exit 271.

 

ODOT highly encourages motorists visiting the Premium Outlet Stores to consider using additional parking at the newly completed Woodburn Park & Ride/Transit facility located just east of I-5 on OR 214. To get to the transit facility and avoid the heavy congestion at the Woodburn Interchange, motorists should use an alternative route by taking Exit 282A (Canby/Hubbard) and follow directions to OR 99E, turn right on OR 214 and follow directions west through Woodburn to the transit facility. Motorists are also encouraged to consider other alternative routes to avoid the congestion at the Woodburn Interchange.

 

Football fans heading to the Civil War on Saturday are reminded to leave early and allow plenty of travel time. Travelers approaching the Woodburn Interchange (Exit 271) should stay in the left lanes to avoid any potential shopping traffic that might be backing up onto the freeway.

 

ODOT offers these safety reminders when traveling to or through the Woodburn Premium Outlet Stores area Thursday and Friday:

* Stay alert and focused while driving at all times.

* If going to the Outlet Stores, approach the Woodburn exit in the far right lane several miles before the exit.

* DO NOT STOP in the center or left lanes to merge into the far right lane of traffic that has already developed to take the freeway exit. Proceed to the next available exit and turn around and proceed to the northbound exit which normally has much less backup.

* Keep a safe following distance at all times.

* Before leaving, plan on using a possible alternative route to travel to or around the Woodburn area.

*On Saturday, football fans approaching the Woodburn Interchange (Exit 271) while heading to Corvallis for the game should stay in the left lanes.

* Know before you go. Check road and traffic conditions on ODOT's travel site, www.TripCheck.com, or call 5-1-1.

Travelers are asked to report any possible intoxicated or dangerous drivers to OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865) or 9-1-1.

For the latest information on road conditions, visit www.tripcheck.com

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