Highway construction projects in Eastern Oregon are entering their final stages as the summer season comes to a close. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), several key projects have been completed, while others will continue into the fall.
In Baker City, upgrades at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Hughes Street were made to improve freight mobility and pedestrian access. The modifications allow trucks more space for turning at Pocahontas Road and Hughes Street. Sidewalks along U.S. 30 between L Street and Boulevard Street were also improved, with new curb ramps installed to meet ADA standards. ODOT reports that sign installation and site cleanup are underway, with completion expected in September.
A resurfacing project on U.S. 95 between Blue Mountain Pass and McDermitt has been finished. This work included chip sealing, rumble strips, and permanent striping, resulting in a smoother road surface.
Eighteen new roadside cameras and weather stations are being added across Eastern Oregon highways. These devices will provide real-time traffic and weather information through TripCheck.com, with all cameras expected online by the end of September.
On Interstate 84 between La Grande and Baker City, ODOT is upgrading a variable speed limit system over a 30-mile stretch by installing sensors and new signs to give drivers real-time updates. This two-year project is scheduled for completion in September.
Recent curb ramp improvements in Burns, Hines, Boardman, Echo, Hermiston, and Umatilla have largely concluded ahead of Labor Day weekend. Work on additional curb ramps in Irrigon began in July as part of Phase 2B for Umatilla-Morrow counties; construction will resume in Hermiston mid-September with completion set for summer 2026.
Upcoming projects include new curb ramp installations in Halfway this fall before pausing for winter; work will continue in Richland and North Powder next spring with an October 2026 finish date planned.
Two pavement preservation projects on I-82 and I-84 in Umatilla and Morrow counties are nearing completion ahead of schedule. On I-84 from Tower Road to Stanfield—a section last paved in 2011—repairs included highway repaving, bridge work, guardrail replacement, striping, and rumble strips installation. Repairs on older concrete pavement sections of I-82/I-84 near Umatilla-Pendleton involve fixing road surfaces, shoulders, eight bridges, pouring concrete, adding rumble strips, and permanent striping.
Many work zones now use automated flagger assistance devices (AFADs) instead of traditional flaggers or signals to direct traffic safely through construction areas.
For further details about ongoing projects or real-time travel information in Eastern Oregon highways visit https://www.tripcheck.com/.
