Tree cutting will delay morning traffic a few more days at Milepost 97 fire area, July 31

ODOT release – CANYONVILLE – Interstate 5 motorists should expect morning delays the rest of the week as fire crews continue to cut hazard trees along the Milepost 97 fire area south of Canyonville. Rolling slowdowns will be used in both directions from 7 a.m. to noon between milepost 88 and 101. Flaggers will hold southbound motorists entering the Interstate up to 20 minutes at Exit 101 (Riddle Road), Exit 99 (North Canyonville) and Exit 98 (Canyonville). Northbound motorists will be held at Exit 88 (Azalea). Similar slowdowns were used to cut several large hazard trees on Tuesday morning, with average traffic delays of about 10-20 minutes. Meanwhile, southbound Interstate 5 is limited to a single lane from milepost 97-93 because of the fire. Motorists should expect congestion and delays, as well as low visibility due to smoke. Both off-ramps at Exit 95 (Canyon Creek) remain closed. “On weekday mornings and afternoons, we recommend drivers give themselves an extra 15-20 minutes in travel time through the fire area,” ODOT District Manager Darrin Neavoll said. “But depending on the amount of traffic we have, some delays could be longer.”