The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) plans to activate a new traffic signal at the intersection of Oregon 42 and Rolling Hills Road on Wednesday night, November 19. This development is part of an ongoing project aimed at improving safety and traffic flow in the area.
Motorists traveling through the intersection should expect lane closures early in the week as crews install mast arms and signal heads. New traffic signs will also be placed throughout the vicinity.
Once operational, drivers are encouraged to be alert for pedestrians and exercise caution while adjusting to the updated traffic pattern. The new signal includes push-button crosswalks on all four sides of the intersection. ODOT notes that it may take several days for local drivers to become accustomed to these changes.
The installation of this signal is one component of a larger $11.97 million project along Oregon 42. The project involves repaving 4½ miles of highway, adding streetlights, installing right-turn lanes, upgrading ADA sidewalk curb ramps at more than twelve intersections, and introducing various safety features.
In the coming weeks, contractors will place concrete barriers and raised traffic separators along the center median from Carnes Road to Rolling Hills Road. These additions are intended to reduce left-turn movements—a known factor in many accidents—thereby enhancing safety along this corridor.
Residents living near Landers Avenue and Melody Lane on the westbound side will experience changes due to turn restrictions but will have access to new U-turn facilities at Carnes Road and Rolling Hills Road for changing direction.
Rocky Mountain Construction LLC from Klamath Falls began work on this project in February. So far, all sidewalk construction has been completed, one mile of highway has been paved, right-turn lanes have been added at Landers Avenue and Rolling Hills Road, and guardrails have been installed.
The contractor is expected to finish paving and complete all remaining work by September next year.
For further details about the project or updates, individuals can visit the project webpage or contact ODOT Public Information Officer Dan Latham at 541-817-5200 or Dan.Latham@odot.oregon.gov.
