The Oregon Department of Transportation announced on April 1 that nighttime closures will affect more than 40 Interstate 5 off-ramps in Douglas County through the end of April as part of a safety project.
The closures are part of ongoing efforts to install new signs, pavement markers, and other features designed to prevent drivers from entering high-speed lanes in the wrong direction. The work aims to improve safety for motorists traveling along this stretch of highway.
According to ODOT, prime contractor Gage It Construction has been working since last summer on these upgrades along I-5 off-ramps. The final phase involves installing signs and reflective roadside posts, requiring each affected ramp to close for about two to four hours during overnight hours between Monday night and Friday morning. Only one ramp will be closed at a time, with contractors targeting about four ramps per night.
Drivers are advised by ODOT to use alternate routes when ramps are closed, such as continuing to the next interchange and turning around. Motorists should also watch for construction signs and message boards alerting them to upcoming closures.
This project covers most off-ramps along a 160-mile section of I-5 through Jackson, Josephine, and Douglas counties. Gage It Construction was awarded the contract after submitting a successful bid totaling $2,410,806. Most work has already been completed in Josephine and Jackson counties; crews began focusing on Douglas County during spring break and have finished many ramps between Glendale and Canyonville as well as several up to Winston.
As construction continues northward over the next four weeks, local drivers can expect nighttime ramp closures at various locations including Riddle Road (Exit 101), Tri City (Exit 103), Weaver Road (Exit 106), Boomer Hill Road (Exit 110), Dillard Highway (Exit 112), Clarks Branch (Exit 113), Winston/Green (Exit 119), Oakland/Shady Highway (Exit 120), McLain Avenue (Exit 121), Fairgrounds (Exit 123), Harvard (Exit124) Garden Valley(125) North Roseburg(127) Winchester(129) Sutherlin(136) South Oakland(138) North Oakland(140) Metz Hill(142) Cabin Creek Rest Area(143) South Rice Hill(146) Rice Hill(148) Yoncalla(150 Elkhead Road154 Elk Creek/Cox Rd159 Buck Creek161 Umpqua Hwy/Drain162 among others.
