Drivers should expect delays, 40 MPH in work zone – I-5 Siskiyous, looking north to Emigrant Lake. ODOT release – ASHLAND – Drivers south of Ashland should expect slow moving traffic and delays beginning this week due to a three year project to repair Interstate 5. Contractor Carter and Company will repair and replace damaged concrete sections as well as grind rutted travel lanes between the California border and Exit 11, south Ashland exit. This year’s work will continue through mid-October. Because the location is in a snow zone, construction timelines are limited to spring through fall. “This repair on the Siskiyous has been high on our list,” said ODOT District Manager Jerry Marmon. “To do the scale and scope of this project will mean a better and safer interstate.” To repair the concrete in sections, drivers will see single lane traffic with crossovers, one at a time, to isolate traffic and the construction workers and equipment. Drivers should expect slow moving traffic and possible back-ups, especially southbound on the climb up Siskiyou Summit. The work zone speed limit will be posted at 40 MPH enforced by OSP. The southbound on ramp from exit 11 will be closed during construction. The second and third seasons of the project will replace the Exit 6 (Mt. Ashland) bridge decks. There will be additional crossovers during those years, along with ramp closures and ramp paving. “Project staging and keeping everyone connected will be a challenge,” said ODOT Project Manager Chris Hunter of the $26 million project. “Interstate traffic will need to be slowed, especially those trucks coming down the grade at the crossover. At the same time, a single lane of traffic for trucks going up the grade will mean back-ups.” Incident Response – ODOT will have equipment nearby and an incentive plan for area tow companies to quickly get lanes open in the event of crashes or vehicle breakdowns. “We’ll be aggressive in our push, pull and drag in the project area to keep traffic moving,” said Marmon. For motorists, that means budget extra travel time in the corridor south of Ashland, expect delays and pay attention to the work zones.
