Following congestion and long delays this past weekend, ODOT will make several changes to improve the flow of traffic through an I-5 work zone south of Cottage Grove. ODOT will adjust the length of the existing lane closures, add signage, and work with the contractor to open all lanes prior to Mother’s Day, May 10, about two weeks ahead of schedule. On Sunday afternoon, traffic backed up approximately 10 miles as workers cleared a truck crash in the construction zone. Some motorists were delayed more than two hours. Although the crash played a significant role, other factors may have contributed to the delays. “In this section of I-5, primarily in the northbound direction, we are experiencing traffic behavior that is unlike other areas of the state with similar volumes,” said ODOT Region 3 Manager Frank Reading. Due to the potential for congestion and delays through the work zone, motorists are advised to use alternate routes and adjust their travel times to avoid peak hours. Most delays have been observed on weekday and Sunday afternoons. The I-5 Martin Creek to Anlauf Paving project repairs or replaces several miles of concrete road surface between Cottage Grove and the Oregon 38 (Umpqua Highway) junction. The final phase of construction began April 6 and is scheduled to be completed next month.
