Work is set to begin Monday on a year-long project aimed at improving pavement and safety features along Interstate 5 between Grants Pass and Hugo. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced that the first phase of the I-5: Monument Dr – N. Grants Pass project will focus on removing hazard trees and vegetation at four key exits: Monument Drive (Exit 66), Manzanita Rest Area (milepost 62.5), Merlin (Exit 61), and North Grants Pass (Exit 58).
Contractor Knife River will start work at 6 a.m. on October 13 along the northbound side of the Manzanita Rest Area. During this time, traffic on I-5 will be reduced to one lane through the work zone. “Drivers should drive with caution and expect short delays,” ODOT stated in its announcement. The rest area will remain open while work is underway.
After completing work on the northbound side, crews will move to the southbound side of the Manzanita Rest Area before proceeding to other exits in subsequent weeks.
Work is scheduled during daytime hours from Monday through Friday, with single-lane closures expected in active zones for crew and equipment safety.
The project is expected to continue through fall 2026 and will include additional improvements such as pavement repairs, bridge joint replacements, guard rail repairs, and other upgrades. For more information about the project or updates, visit the project’s official webpage or check TripCheck.com for current road conditions.
For further details, contact Mary Dillinger at 541-621-3074.
