Roberts Mtn. I-5, Feb. 4

Interstate 5 motorists should watch for shoulder closures and congestion five miles south of Roseburg next week as construction begins on the Roberts Mountain climbing lanes project. Throughout February and March, Kerr Contractors will set up work zone construction signs, mobilize equipment, and dispose of brush and trees that were cut prior to construction. The contractor will begin excavation work in late spring when weather permits. The $25.98 million project will pave I-5 in both directions from the South Umpqua River to Roberts Creek (milepost 112.5-117.7) and build a climbing lane on both the northbound and southbound approach to the Roberts Mountain pass. Construction is scheduled for completion in June 2021. Motorists should drive with caution. Trucks often slow down and use the interstate shoulder when climbing steep grades. The shoulder closures on Roberts Mountain may result in added congestion as more of these slow-moving trucks use the travel lanes.