Nighttime lane closures are scheduled for early February on northbound Interstate 5 and Ehlen Road NE near Exit 278 as part of the ongoing Aurora-Donald Interchange project. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is replacing the existing bridges over I-5 with a new structure.
The central section of the bridge has already been completed. The next phase involves placing beams for the eastern portion, which will eventually carry northbound traffic.
To facilitate this work, ODOT will close lanes at night to allow crews to safely operate a large crane needed for beam placement. On Tuesday night, February 3, one lane of northbound I-5 will close at 8 p.m., followed by two lanes closing at 10 p.m. Flaggers will direct vehicles at each on and off-ramp along Ehlen Road NE. Traffic on Ehlen Road NE will be held approximately every 30 minutes while beams are set over the road; once each beam is secured, ramps and the road will reopen. All lanes and Ehlen Road NE are expected to reopen by 7 a.m. Wednesday, February 4.
Construction noise and delays of up to 20 minutes are anticipated during these operations. Crews plan to set ten beams per span each day, totaling twenty beams for this segment.
On Wednesday, February 4, crews will move cranes in preparation for continued work on Thursday, February 5. Beam placement is expected to finish during daylight hours Thursday without planned lane or road closures; however, flaggers may direct traffic as construction vehicles enter or exit the site.
Drivers traveling through the area should use caution in work zones due to frequent movement of construction equipment—especially in the far left lane—and adhere to posted speed reductions of 55 mph within the I-5 work zone. No lane changes are permitted where double white lines appear.
Other impacts include nightly closures of up to two lanes in either direction from Sunday through Thursday between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., occasional single-lane closures on other roads from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., pavement grooves along median shoulders, construction noise, and possible delays.
ODOT urges drivers: “Pay attention in work zones, slow down and move over – imagine this is where you work. Always drive safely, watch for construction signs and workers.”
Additionally: “Remember that fines double in all Oregon work zones, whether workers and signs are present or not.”
Pedestrian access—including for those with disabilities—will be maintained throughout or around affected areas.
For more information about current projects statewide—including interactive maps showing ongoing construction—drivers can visit TripCheck.com for real-time travel updates including road conditions and weather information.
For questions regarding this project or requests related to translation or accessibility accommodations under ADA Title II or Civil Rights Title VI requirements, contact Mindy McCartt at ODOT by phone at (503) 507-6045.
