Rolling Slowdowns on I-5, Jan. 13

Interstate 5 motorists traveling between Rice Hill and Cottage Grove should expect lane closures and delays the next 18 months as construction begins on a new highway project in north Douglas County. The $40.3 million I-5: Anlauf to Elkhead Paving project will pave all four travel lanes with concrete between milepost 154 and 162. The project will also build a southbound auxiliary/climbing lane on the hill south of Exit 162 (Drain/Oregon 38 junction) between milepost 162 and 160. Starting on Tuesday, Jan. 12, rolling slowdowns will be used during the morning or other off-peak hours as workers begin clearing trees, drilling and preparing to excavate the new climbing lane. The slowdowns will take place in both directions and may result in traffic being briefly delayed. Southbound motorists should also watch for lane closures between milepost 160 and 154. This will allow workers to repair the shoulder of the highway in several areas. Motorists are advised to give themselves extra travel time to reach their destinations. An earlier I-5 paving project caused long traffic delays in 2014 and 2015 south of Cottage Grove. Over the last six months, ODOT and prime contractor K&E Excavating of Salem have adjusted the plans for the new project to reduce the likelihood of long delays occurring. The southbound auxiliary/climbing lane was recently added to the project and will reduce the need for lane closures during construction. In the long term, the climbing lane will provide additional space for vehicles traveling slowly uphill. Construction and traffic updates will be provided to the public. To receive updates, send an email to Dan.Latham@odot.state.or.us. Project website: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION3/Pages/Anlauf-Elkhead.aspx