Oregon’s I-5 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.
Concrete barriers are being 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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