Construction crews are preparing to shift northbound traffic onto the center portion of the new I-5 bridge over Ehlen Road NE at the Aurora-Donald interchange, Exit 278. The traffic change is scheduled for August 23, as part of ongoing improvements at the interchange.
According to project officials, work on connecting the center section of the new bridge to northbound lanes will begin around 8 p.m. Rolling slowdowns will be used to move vehicles away from active construction areas, allowing workers to operate safely. A flagger will direct vehicles at the intersection of Ehlen Road NE and the ramp during this process.
Drivers traveling northbound on I-5 should expect lane closures starting with the fast lane and a shift toward using the Exit 278 off-ramp before rejoining I-5 via an on-ramp. The transition is expected to be completed by 8 a.m. on August 24, when all ramps are planned to reopen. Southbound traffic in this area will not be affected.
Officials urge drivers to exercise caution in work zones, reduce speed to posted limits—55 mph in this case—and watch for workers and equipment moving through lanes. “Please use caution, be patient, watch for workers and follow the directions on the signs,” project representatives stated.
The construction schedule includes daily work from Sunday through Thursday, with possible night and weekend shifts. Up to two lanes may close nightly in either direction between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., while other roads near the project could see single-lane closures from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m.
Additional impacts include construction noise, delays, reduced speeds within work zones, pavement grooves along median shoulders, and restrictions against changing lanes where double white lines are present.
While maintenance operations have been affected by Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) funding challenges, most major projects continue due to separate state or federal funding sources that cannot legally be redirected for routine maintenance or operations purposes.
“While ODOT’s funding crisis is having a profound impact on maintenance and operations, most projects will continue. These projects are typically funded through separate programs, often with state or federal funds that are legally restricted to project development and cannot be used for maintenance or day-to-day operations,” according to ODOT officials.
Travelers can find updates about road conditions at TripCheck.com or by calling 5-1-1.
For more information about ongoing construction activities in local communities or details about this specific project—including translation services—residents can visit ODOT’s website or contact Public Information Officer Mindy McCartt at 503-507-6045.
