We have begun work to bring curb ramps to current standards in Irrigon and Hermiston. Crews began construction in Irrigon at the U.S. 730 and Southeast First Street intersection. They will then jump to the U.S. 730 and Southeast 14th Street intersection and work west. Crews anticipate beginning work in Hermiston in August. Phase 2B is scheduled to be completed in spring 2026.
“We just finished work in Hermiston. Why are we returning? Because the project is so big, we split it into two phases,” said a representative from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). “This way, we could start bidding and construction on Phase 1 while moving any ramps that were not ready to Phase 2. Now that we are starting Phase 2, all the remaining ramps are ready for construction.”
Crews are working on final tasks and anticipate finishing the week of July 21. There may be a few minor clean-up tasks through July.
Remaining work includes installing permanent sign foundations, poles and signs in Echo, Hermiston and Umatilla, and final road striping in Hermiston. Work in all other cities is complete.
During construction, you can expect:
– Lane and/or shoulder closures.
– Flaggers, cones and signs will help direct traffic as needed.
– Sidewalk closures with temporary pedestrian detours around work zones.
– Access to businesses will remain open.
– Crews working Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While the funding crisis is having a profound effect on ODOT’s maintenance and operations, most construction projects will continue as planned. These projects are typically funded through separate capital programs, often with state or federal funds that are legally restricted to project development and cannot be redirected for maintenance or day-to-day operations. Delays may still occur due to a reduced workforce. Fewer available staff for traffic control, inspections and project oversight could slow down timelines or introduce challenges in project delivery.
For more information about funding, visit the ODOT Transportation Funding website.
For more information on other projects in Eastern Oregon, visit the Region 5 Eastern Oregon project webpage.
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For 24/7 road conditions and traffic alerts visit tripcheck.com or call 5-1-1.
