I-5 Improvement project begins 2021 season

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 04/01/2021 10:38 AM PDT

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I-5 improvement project begins 2021 season

Learn more at an online open house

Graphic of the Interstate 5 Exit 6 work zone

April 1, 2021

ASHLAND -- Drivers should expect delays and single lane traffic south of Ashland this week as Interstate 5 improvements begin for the third season. The pavement and bridge improvements, which modernize the transportation system, are part of the $27 million project from the California border to Ashland.

Beginning tonight, concrete barrier will be placed in the southbound lanes near the Mt. Ashland Exit 6 to eventually move traffic onto the northbound bridge over Old Siskiyou Highway. That will soon kick off the replacement of the Exit 6 southbound bridge deck replacement, which will affect I-5 traffic and Mt. Ashland area commutes.

As part of this year’s repairs, expect the following temporary closures:

  • From April 8 through May 7: 30-day closure of the southbound Exit 6 on-ramp. This will allow for construction of a temporary southbound on-ramp from Old Siskiyou Highway.
    • Exit 6 southbound traffic during construction: Use Old Siskiyou Highway to Exit 1 into California.
  • From May 25 through June 3: 10-day Old Siskiyou Highway closure under I-5 Old Siskiyou Highway Bridge at Exit 6 for demolition of southbound bridge deck.
    • Northbound traffic from west of I-5 (Mt. Ashland Ski Road, Colestin Road, etc.), will need to use Old Siskiyou Highway to Hilt to pick up northbound I-5 north to Ashland.
    • East of I-5 (Callahan’s) to CA: take I-5 detour to Exit 14 Ashland then north to California.
  • June 22 through mid-August: Expect only night closures for deck repairs and new protective overlay, new rail fencing.

Between now and mid-October, concrete roadway repairs and replacement will also occur in the 11-mile work zone. Speed limit in the work zone will be posted at 40 mph.

Tripcheck.com work zone camera and cell phone technology will help I-5 drivers determine delays.

An online open house is open now through April 30 at https:odotopenhouse.org/I-5-CA-Border-to-Ashland-Project.

After October 15, the contractor is expected back next spring to finish the project, which has been delayed by COVID-19 and added work, including installation of new electronic message and variable speed limit signs for driver safety.

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For more information: Gary Leaming, ODOT Project Information Specialist, 541-621-3074