I-5 work resumes south of Ashland Sunday night

March 27, 2020             

Factor extra time and expect delays south of Ashland this spring and summer

ASHLAND – ODOT contractors will return to work near the Siskiyou Pass on Sunday night, March 29, beginning the second year of an Interstate 5 project that replaces the rutted and damaged concrete road surface between Ashland and the California border.

“This early work is just like last year, only higher up the mountain,” said Josh Lonie, ODOT Consultant Project Manager.

The first stage of work, between now and July 1, involves removing and replacing concrete and reinforcing steel bars in the southbound slow lane. Asphalt shoulders will also be repaved.

In early April, I-5 traffic will be shifted onto a temporary alignment with one lane in each direction between milepost 6.5 and milepost 9. Prime contractor Carter and Company will place signs, restripe the travel lanes and set up concrete barrier next week.

The construction speed limit will be posted at 40 mph. However, southbound motorists should expect congestion and even lower speeds on the temporary alignment due to trucks slowing as they climb to the top of Siskiyou Summit, the highest point on I-5.

“We’ll have equipment at the ready to remove any stalled vehicles,” said ODOT Assistant District Manager Jeremiah Griffin.

Work zone camera and cell phone technology will be in used to help drivers determine delays. That will be available at Tripcheck.com.

All work on the $26 million project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2021.

For More Information: Gary Leaming, ODOT PIO, 541-774-6388

Photos/video from last year are on the I-5: California Border to Ashland project website.