February 14, 2013                                                For more information: Lou Torres, 503-986-2880

2-39-R2                                                             email at: louis.c.torres@odot.state.or.us

Utility relocation work to begin on

Woodburn Interchange Project

Tree removal has already begun on ODOT right of way

WOODBURN – Utility relocation work will begin later this month on the Woodburn Interchange Project in anticipation of construction starting this summer. Tree removal on the Oregon Department of Transportation’s right of way has already begun as part of the pre-construction work.

While not all right of way has been acquired, the project is on schedule and slated for bid opening in May. Construction will begin in July. The utility work requires a $2.6 million investment, and is a major commitment to keeping the project on schedule.

“This is great news for the project,” said Alan Fox, ODOT’s project leader. “Pre-construction activities in and around the interchange have picked up and will increase noticeably in the coming weeks.”

The initial utility relocation work will take place along the new Evergreen Road alignment north of OR 214 and in the area of the planned transit/park-and-ride facility. The Evergreen Road extension will provide a detour route during construction and greater local connectivity by extending the road north of OR 214 to County Club Court.

City of Woodburn public works crews have already begun removal of the trees and shrubs in right of way already owned by ODOT in preparation for construction of the $80 million project. The total number of trees to be removed for the entire project is over 300. The project includes: adding a wider bridge overcrossing; new and higher capacity on and off ramps; widening OR 214 and OR 219 to the east and west of the interchange; a new transit/park-and-ride facility; sound walls and improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

The utility relocation on Evergreen Rd. should not delay traffic since this is new alignment. In other areas of the project, motorists should experience only minor delays due to temporary flagging.   Motorists should slow down and proceed with caution in areas where crews are working.

The City and ODOT have been working closely on the project. The partners developed a unique and modern gateway design for the interchange, and then signed an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) that ensures future maintenance of the gateway design features. In addition, the IGA also allowed the state to take advantage of the city’s tree removal services, which ensured that this key task would be completed on time. The City has contributed $8 million to the project.

The public is encouraged to visit the project’s web site at www.woodburninterchange.com for more information on the project. The web site has gone through a major revision with new sections added such as one on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).   On the web site, the public can also subscribe to a mailing list to get the very latest updates on the project.

 

  

 

 

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

##ODOT##