Speed limit reduction and ramp closures for I-5 SB, Albany

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 06/03/2013 12:34 PM PDT

 

June 3, 2013                                                         For more information: Rick Little (541) 726-2442

05-139-R2                                                             email at: mailto:richard.little@odot.state.or.us  

                                                                          

 

Three nighttime closures scheduled for off-ramp from southbound I-5 to US 20 at Albany  

Speed limit reduction also in effect

 

   

ALBANY— Three nights of closures of the southbound I-5 off-ramp (Exit 233) to US 20 at Albany are now scheduled for Thursday, June 6, 2013, and Monday and Tuesday, June 10 & 11.

 

The southbound ramp will be closed between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. on those dates.

 

The closures are related to a project to increase the vertical clearance of the southbound I-5 travel lanes, under the US 20 overpass. Construction of the project began in March and is scheduled to be complete in July.

 

Additional closures may be necessary. The public will be given advance information prior to any future closures.

 

Detour to use Exit 234B

When Exit 233 is closed, traffic should take Exit 234B to OR 99E (Pacific Blvd.), then to Airport Road, then to US 20 (See attached map).

 

Speed limit reduced

Motorists should also be aware that the speed limit on southbound I-5 through the construction area has been reduced. Signs alert motorists that the speed limit is reduced from 65 MPH to 55 MPH. The reduction will remain in effect until the project is completed in July.

 

The speed limit reduction is intended to improve work zone safety for all highway users and construction workers.

 

From 2007 through 2011 in Oregon, 53 people died and more than 2,200 were injured in work zone crashes.

 

The majority of people injured or killed in these crashes were drivers, passengers or pedestrians, not workers. The single biggest factor in crashes is driver inattention; that’s why orange cones, variable message signs and other tools are used to alert motorists. The other major contributing factor is speed, which is why work zones often require lower speed limits.

 

Project to increase clearance under US 20 overpass

By increasing the vertical clearance along I-5, over-height freight loads can avoid taking a detour that routed them on adjacent highways that often represent the Main Street of many small towns.

 

During construction on this project, a contractor for ODOT will:

  • Lower the southbound I-5 travel lanes and shoulders by a minimum of 4-inches
  • Improve the pavement condition of the southbound I-5 off-ramp to Santiam Highway
  • Upgrade guardrail and concrete barrier at the off ramp.
  • Add a water quality swale to treat storm water runoff within the interchange area

 

 

Know Before you Go

 

For the latest road conditions, visit: www.tripcheck.com

 

 

##ODOT##