Moving Ahead - Spring 2016

A Mail Tribune Advertising Department publication

ODOT April

2016

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Oregon 62 Expressway

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Siskiyou Safety Rest Area and Welcome Center

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I-5 Repaving

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Fern Valley Interchange

I-5 Bear Creek Bridge Scour April 8, 2016

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APPLEGATE RIVER TO SLATE CREEK PAVING

Nighttime paving returns this summer to the Redwood Highway (U.S. 199) west of Grants Pass from Applegate River Bridge to Slate Creek.

The seven-mile section targeted in this project will complete a 21-mile paving and safety upgrade to U.S. 199 from Grants Pass and Cave Junction that started in summer 2015.

EDITORIAL DIRECTORS Jared Castle, 541-957-3656 jared.b.castle@odot.state.or.us Gary Leaming, 541-774-6388 gary.w.leaming@odot.state.or.us ADVERTISING Dena DeRose, 541-776-4439 dderose@mailtribune.com

This section of the Redwood Highway has a higher-than-normal crash rate for rural interstate highways in Oregon. Many of the crashes involve drivers who run off the road, especially at night.

“This summer’s project picks right up where the other one left off,” said ODOT Project Manager Ted Paselk.

CONTRIBUTORS Bret Jackson Publication Supervisor Steve Johnson Photography Brian Fitz-Gerald Illustration Sally Ridenour, Shelley Snow Editing

The cover art for our distracted driving story was created with the assistance of Ryan Mangum, Manager of Safelite AutoGlass, 12 W. Jackson St., Medford, 541-772-6700, Melina Metzger, Safelite® Group PR Manager, and Shonna Zimmermann, who provided costume design and construction. We thank them for their help and support as well as our cover models Allison Hayes and her daughter, Jade, and son, Giovanni.

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This feature publication is produced separately from the Mail Tribune’s editorial department.

All content is developed and approved by the Oregon Department of Transportation.

ODOT is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workforce.

Accommodations will be provided to persons with disabilities; alternate formats are available upon request.

simply cannot do this type “ Weof construction work during

the day. If we tried, there would be a lot of unhappy people.

— ODOT Project Manager Ted Paselk

“We’ll replace some substandard guardrail, widen the highway shoulders in select locations and improve the overall nighttime visibility on the highway.”

The 2015 summer project paved fifteen miles of the Redwood Highway between Slate Creek and Cave Junction. That project included a lane conversion project in Cave Junction that reduced the number of traffic lanes from four to three and included a new two-way left-turn lane. The citysupported design added bicycle lanes on both sides of the highway and improved pedestrian access along a half-mile section within the city limits.

This summer, ODOT returns to Cave Junction, where it will improve ADA ramps at three Cave Junction intersections. However, the majority of the work is focused on replacing

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the existing open-graded asphalt with a dense grade mix of asphalt that creates a smoother ride.

The project will also add center line rumble strips, replace substandard guardrail and add a right-turn lane for westbound traffic at the intersection of Redwood Highway and Round Prairie Road.

Redwood Highway experiences one of the larger seasonal increases in traffic compared to other highways in Oregon, averaging upwards of 9,100 vehicles per day throughout the year and rising to 11,000 vehicles per day during the summer months.

“We simply cannot do this type of construction work during the day,” said Paselk. “If we tried, there would be a lot of unhappy people.”

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SCOUR PROTECTION ON TAP FOR TWO I-5 BRIDGES Two Interstate 5 bridges, which span Bear Creek north of Medford, are on schedule to receive needed repair work during the summer construction season. I-5 travelers, however, probably won’t notice the construction work since the repair is focused beneath the bridges’ decks in Bear Creek.

This project is the first major repair work planned for the bridges since Interstate 5 opened in the Rogue Valley in the early 1960s. Added erosion protection in the form of riprap will protect the bridge supports in Bear Creek.

“The current riprap at the bridge supports is undersized to the point where erosion or scour from a major flood could undermine the supports and render the bridges useless,” said ODOT Project Manager Ted Paselk.

“This is a relatively simple project, really. Rock of various sizes is brought in by truck, staged at the site, and placed strategically up to and around the bridge’s vertical supports.”

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Most materials will be delivered via Midway Avenue in Medford to ODOTowned property located adjacent to the bridges. Residents along Midway Avenue from Table Rock Road will see a temporary increase in truck traffic during rock deliveries.

The $460,000 repair project is scheduled to run from June 15 to September 15. Construction will be staged to keep the Bear Creek Greenway open to users.

“Summer time use on the Bear Creek Greenway is high,” said Jackson County Greenway Manager Jenna Stanke. “We’re glad steps are being taken to keep the Greenway open during construction.”

Bear Creek Greenway The Bear Creek Greenway is a 20-mile, paved, multi-use trail that links the cities of Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Medford and Central Point.

The Greenway is continuous from the Ashland Dog Park to the Dean Creek Frontage Road near Seven Oaks

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Interchange on I-5, north of Central Point.

The Greenway provides a separated route from cars, with only two atgrade road crossings. The trail parallels I-5, Highway 99, and Bear Creek, and provides Rogue Valley residents and visitors to the area a close-in spot for bird watching and wildlife viewing, as well as exercise and general recreation.

Parks along the route provide parking, restrooms, and drinking water.

For information about trail status and closures, call 541-774-7799, or visit the Bear Creek Greenway Facebook page.

Jackson County, along with the Cities of Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Medford, and Central Point, collaborate to develop and manage the trail.

The Bear Creek Greenway Foundation, a non-profit organization, promotes the trail and raises funds for new construction.

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SISKIYOU REST AREA

First Phase Builds Roads, Ramps, Parking Lot Winter construction on the Siskiyou Rest Area and Welcome Center, located two miles south of Ashland‘s Interstate 5 Exit 14, was steady as prime contractor Wildish Standard Paving builds the facility’s parking lot, service road and I-5 on-and off-ramps in the first phase of construction.

“Despite the wet weather, the project has shown progress,” said ODOT Project Manager Tim Fletcher. “The focus has been on constructing the service road that runs south into the property.”

Wildish Standard Paving is excavating an service road, which runs adjacent to the I-5 bridge spanning Crowson Road, and building a retaining wall to the south. The service road will act as the gateway for deliveries of construction materials. When paved and complete, the new service road will be gated, providing an entry for rest area and welcome center staff, who would otherwise have to drive south to nearly the top of Siskiyou Summit and return north on I-5 to access the property.

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According to Fletcher, the second phase of the project will bid later this year. The second phase includes construction of the rest area and welcome center buildings as well as related facilities.

The development of the replacement rest area spans three decades.

The previous rest area, sited on a six-percent grade, closed in 1997 for public safety, following a series of crashes that involved commercial trucks.

“I recently gave a presentation to the Ashland Lions Club and many members remembered the hazards associated with the old rest area,” said ODOT Public Information Officer Gary Leaming. “They recalled the rest area was small, had short ramps and the smell of hot brakes regularly hung in the air.”

Commercial trucks have already been directed to use new restroom facilities built at the Ashland Port of Entry station that is located on northbound I-5 between Ashland Exits 14 and 19.

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“Separating restroom facilities for commercial trucks and the general public is another safety improvement the Siskiyou Safety Rest Area and Welcome Center offers,” said Leaming.

Gateway Design The new rest area and welcome center will serve as a signature destination for northbound visitors to Oregon. Two Cascadia-themed buildings will add to the facility’s gateway design, which matches the environmentally-friendly sustainable look of the Welcome to Oregon sign at the California border as well as new interchange aesthetics

improvements that were incorporated into bridge projects at Ashland Exits 14 and 19.

The second phase of construction will add an outdoor kiosk, restrooms, picnic tables and an office for Oregon State Police troopers patrolling southern Jackson County and the Siskiyou Pass.

The construction project is scheduled for completion in early 2018.

Tourism Investment “The Welcome Center, co-located with the rest area and operated by Travel

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tourism is a $10.3 billion industry. “ Oregon Opening a Welcome Center at such a significant entry point to the state will help drive economic growth.

— Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson

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Oregon, will be a local, regional and statewide economic generator,” said ODOT Area Manager Art Anderson.

at such a significant entry point to the state will help drive economic growth.”

Local and state tourism officials are looking forward to project completion.

More than three million vehicles travel north on I-5 into Oregon each year.

According to the Oregon Tourism Commission, each dollar spent operating a welcome center equals $41 in visitor spending.

“The Siskiyou Safety Rest Area and Welcome Center project will serve as the gateway to Oregon,” said Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson. “The new facility will help enhance and inspire the journey of those returning to Oregon or visiting our state for the first time.

“Oregon tourism is a $10.3 billion industry. Opening a Welcome Center

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“Welcome centers have long been recognized as an important element in a local area’s hospitality and tourism tool kit, and this should be no exception,” said Medford-Jackson County Chamber Executive Director Brad Hicks.

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Nighttime Paving Returns to I-5 from Ashland to Medford Drivers who travel between Ashland and Medford will experience a moving work zone and some short delays this summer as nighttime paving returns to Interstate 5.

The construction project will stretch along an eight-mile section (MP 19 to MP 27) between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. to avoid the higher traffic volumes

experienced during summer days.

“I-5 has a lot of traffic, no matter what season you choose, so construction work that closes or slows down traffic is only allowed at night,” said ODOT Project Manager Tim Fletcher.

“Commuters who travel between Ashland and Medford will welcome the smoother ride.”

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The POINT is an intercity bus service managed by the Oregon Department of Transportation with daily trips between Klamath Falls, the Rogue Valley, and the south coast.

Leave your traffic and parking worries at home and get there on the POINT!

Free Wi-Fi • Power Outlets • Wheelchair Accessible • Bring Your Bike!

Grants Pass

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In addition to eight miles of paving work, the project will add safety cable barrier between northbound and southbound I-5.

The asphalt has gradually become rough and rutted as it reaches the end of its design life.

According to Fletcher, ODOT directed a rehabilitation project several years ago as part of the agency’s preventative maintenance program to maximize the service life of the highway.

Grind/inlay, also known as mill/inlay, involves grinding into the upper layer of the existing asphalt to remove any cracks, ruts and imperfections. A layer of inlay paving is placed atop the milled surface to fill holes and level it off. The last step is an asphalt overlay that finishes the process.

“This grind inlay project will replace the existing open-graded asphalt mix with a denser mix, which is designed to wear better and give a better ride,” said Fletcher.

Drivers will encounter intermittent ramp closures during the nighttime paving, however the project specifications will only allow one night of closure per ramp.

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• www.oregon-point.com

“My advice this summer is to leave a little extra time, perhaps take an alternate route,” said Fletcher. “We’ll work with the contractor to keep the work zone safe, yet minimize traffic delays.”

Work Zone Safety • Slow down. Traffic fines double in work zones.

• Reduce distractions and pay attention to your driving.

• Double your following distance.

• Get in the correct lane well in advance.

• Remember, work zone traffic lanes often are narrow, without shoulders or emergency lanes.

• Be aware of temporary accesses to the roadway from the median.

• Uneven or sloped road surfaces can affect how your car handles.

• Report missing or poor signs.

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Distracted Driving New research released by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, and Southern Oregon University reveals the problem of distracted driving is growing worse.

“Our analysis shows that, if we take no steps in the near future to limit the number of distracting activities in a vehicle, those who represent the next generation of drivers will only continue to be at greater risk of a crash,” said Tom Dingus, director of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

Even as awareness increases, drivers are participating in risky behaviors behind the wheel, especially younger drivers predisposed to distracting activities in a world filled with electronic gadgets.

What Can You Do? According to Tim George, parents must take an active role to protect their teenagers, their adult children and their grandchildren.

“It is all about managing risk,” said George, who retired after 38 years with the Medford Police Department last November. “I insisted my children put their phone out of sight — in the back seat or the trunk. You have to insist that they don’t use or look at their cell phone while driving.

“I still reinforce it with them today as adults. Reinforcing good safety habits makes for better drivers downstream.

That benefits all of us.”

Bad Drivers Car crashes rank among the leading causes of death in the United States.

Oregon traffic fatalities rose for the second straight year in 2015 with an increase in the number of singleoccupant vehicles driving off the road for reasons unknown.

While crash reconstruction and police reports provide the best information available, distracted driving isn’t often cited as a factor. In many cases, the driver, if alive, doesn’t admit to the distracted driving behaviors.

AAA noted “some aspects of the current traffic safety culture…might be characterized most appropriately as a culture of indifference” despite the fact that nearly 1 in 3 Americans have had a friend or relative seriously injured or killed in a crash.

Nearly 1 in 3 drivers admit to typing or sending a text message or email while driving in the past month.

Research from Virginia Tech Transportation Institute showed drivers more than double their crash risk when engaging in distractions that take their eyes off the road.

Oregon Parent Guide to Teen Driving Pick up a copy of The Oregon Parent Guide to Teen Driving, which contains information to support the important partnerships between state driver licensing, driver education, teen drivers and their parents. Available at your local DMV office, you can also view the manual online.

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SOU Research Guides Campaign ODOT is using distracted driving research from Southern Oregon University to develop a long-term, targeted campaign to improve driving behaviors statewide.

Co-sponsored by ODOT and SOU, the study was developed by four students — Angela Durant, Kelsie Lawson, Simon Schubnell and Kristina

Wolf — from the professional master’s of business administration program at SOU’s Graduate School of Business.

In March, they released Distracted Driving: An Epidemic, A Study of Distracted Driving Attitudes, Behaviors and Barriers Preventing Change.

The SOU team gathered research via an online questionnaire with more

Drivers Distracted More Than Half the Time Drivers engage in some type of distracting activity more than 50 percent of the time they are driving, according to Virginia Tech Transportation Institute research, which also found drivers increase their crash risk nearly tenfold when they get behind the wheel while observably angry, sad, crying, or emotionally agitated.

their eyes off the road, such as using a handheld cell phone, reading or writing, or using touchscreen menus on a vehicle instrument pane.

“These findings are important because we see a younger population of drivers, particularly teens, who are more prone to engaging in distracting activities while driving,” said Dingus, lead author of the study and director of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

Researchers derived results from the Second Strategic Highway Research Program Naturalistic Driving Study, the largest light-vehicle naturalistic driving study ever conducted with more than 3,500 participants across six data collection sites in the United States.

Drivers in the study participated between one and two years each, resulting in more than 35 million miles of continuous naturalistic driving data.

The research article, which appeared in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also reported that drivers more than double their crash risk when they choose to engage in distracting activities that require them to take

“All of these findings are especially important as we work with policymakers, educators, drivers themselves, law enforcement officials, and vehicle designers to define and help mitigate driver risks,” Dingus said.

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than 1,500 participants along with secondary research and a literature review.

Study recommendations include: • Change attitude through awareness, “…a target audience including parents, teens and friends.

Spreading messages among the most influential members…”

The SOU study

• Change perception through enforcement, “…taking action against a perception that cell phone violations are not enforced.”  Place violation signs on our roadways  Elevate ORS 811.507 to a Class B violation;  Enact law mandating traffic safety education for all new drivers.

The SOU study presented several recommendations for how to effectively change behavior, noting that friends, followed by parents, are the most important influencers in our lives. When confronted with the possibility of hurting someone else, especially a child, 79 percent say it matters very much to them.

“Traffic fatalities are increasing nationally and in Oregon,” said ODOT Communication Manager Tom Fuller.

“We want to turn this trend around.

This research will help us develop strategies to change distracted driving behaviors.”

https://goo.gl/sRHLyi

“Do As I Say, Not As I Do” Attitude Persists Cell phone use while driving remains widespread, according to a nationwide survey released earlier this year by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

The Traffic Safety Culture Index, which included 2,442 licensed drivers, found an attitude of “do as I say, not as I do” still persists among motorists. Nearly nine out of ten drivers surveyed admitted to engaging in risky behaviors while behind the wheel within the past month.

distracting behaviors behind the wheel; • More likely to find these behaviors acceptable; and • Less likely to support legislation aimed at curbing distractions.

Support for texting bans for drivers is strong (87.7 percent) and support for bans on hand-held mobile devices is lower but solid (70.3 percent), while support for a total ban (hand-held and hands-free) is even lower (42.4 percent).

Most drivers view texting or emailing while driving as a very serious threat to their own personal safety and consider it completely unacceptable. However, more than 1 in 8 drivers (14.1 percent) don’t perceive social disapproval from others; nearly 1 in 3 (31.5 percent) admit to typing or sending a text message or email while driving in the past month; and more than 2 in 5 (42.3 percent) report reading a text message or email while driving in the past month.

Variations by Age In general, compared with older drivers, younger drivers were: • More likely to report engaging in

Since 2006, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has been sponsoring research to better understand traffic safety culture.

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OREGON 62 EXPRESSWAY CONSTRUCTION BEGINS IN MAY The first phase of the $120 million Oregon 62 Expressway project breaks ground in May. Prime contractor Knife River Materials is on board and ready to begin construction on the two-year multimodal solution that will increase capacity and improve safety along the corridor, which is a critical business connection for freight, tourism and commuters.

“Project staging is crucial to keep traffic moving and business access open,” said ODOT Project Manager Tim Fletcher. Much of the first phase will be completed at night or behind solid barrier to reduce the construction impacts to traffic and businesses.”

According to Fletcher, keeping traffic moving will be a priority. The contractor is required to keep two lanes of Oregon 62 open in each direction from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday and from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

“Business accesses will remain open and will be signed during construction,” said Fletcher.

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Other work planned for this summer includes construction of a multi-use path on ODOT property south of the existing Oregon 62 sidewalk. The contractor will also work under Crater Lake Highway near Lava Lanes in Lone Pine Creek, which restricts work to a three-month, in-water work period until September 15.

Business Access Changes The construction work requires restricting left turns onto Oregon 62 from businesses, including those located along Sky Park Drive and Whittle Road. Once the project is complete, turn movements will be limited to right-in and rightout, except for the Whittle Road intersection.

Businesses along Crater Lake Highway are cautiously optimistic.

“We know the highway needs to be upgraded for safety, but we’re obviously concerned that customers will continue to find us and shop with us,” said Bob Seus, owner of Hubbard’s Hardware.

Seus said a big concern for Hubbard’s

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solution took more than a is shoppers won’t be able decade to complete. to turn left onto Whittle Road during much “The safety concern of the construction.

Business accesses is higher crash He’s looking at rates at corridor options to market will remain open and intersections, to and direct will be signed during especially from I-5 customers coming consruction. to Delta Waters from the Eagle Road,” said ODOT Point area via either — ODOT Project Manager Tim Fletcher Public Information Owen Drive or Delta Officer Gary Leaming.

Waters Road.

“The busiest intersection in the Rogue Valley is Signal Prioritization Oregon 62 and Delta Waters “I see the expressway helping Road. It has traffic numbers higher to alleviate congestion,” said RVTD than those along I-5 north General Manager Julie Brown. “Signal of Medford.” prioritization will help transit deliver services on time.”

4.5-mile Expressway Through traffic will travel along a Signal prioritization will allow bus 4.5-mile, four-lane expressway on the drivers, when running behind due east side of the Medford Airport. The to congestion, to change upcoming expressway will cross over Vilas Road traffic signals to the green phase, thus via an overpass, and connect to the putting them back on schedule and existing Crater Lake Highway near reducing time the bus sits in traffic.

Corey Road.

62 Exceeds Capacity The project adds sidewalks and Oregon 62 exceeds its capacity transit-related enhancements on the standards. Future growth along the existing Oregon 62 corridor. corridor is expected to significantly increase traffic. The multimodal

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connecting with the existing Oregon 62 corridor near Corey Road, south of White City.

According to Brown, the biggest advantage of the upcoming expressway for transit riders could be a Bus Rapid Transit route from a Park-and-Ride in the White City area to an unspecified location in or near downtown Medford.

“Being able to bring in pedestrians, better access through sidewalks, the possibilities of Park-and-Rides for commuters, and the addition of signal priority will help us get back on schedule,” said Brown.

Second Phase Scheduled to bid later this year, the project’s second phase will continue the roadway north. It will span Vilas Road via an overpass as it follows the Old Medco Haul Road before

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“Once drivers get on the expressway there’s no getting off,” said Fletcher.

Provisions have been made for emergency vehicles to be able to access it via Justice Road.

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FERN VALLEY INTERCHANGE PROJECT

Six months to completion

“There will be some adjustment to Like a first-class jigsaw puzzle, key the current striping locations to help pieces of the Fern Valley Interchange drivers understand where they need project are falling into place around to stop at the intersection,” Phoenix as the two-year, said Fletcher. $72 million interchange project rounds the We’ve known since the Signing in the corner for the last interchange area six months of first day that this would has already been construction be a challenging project. fine-tuned, work.

This project involves especially around the The project is building new roads, new temporary scheduled for ramps and new bridges. northbound I-5 completion in We’re also improving off-ramp, since September. the partial opening.

Oregon 99.

The Luman Road — ODOT Public Information Officer Hamilton Construction intersection was paved Gary Leaming has since completed with concrete over a demolition of the old two-lane weekend in early February, which interstate bridge and focused on new allowed the diverging diamond I-5 ramps on the south end of the interchange to partially open the interchange. next week.

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“The opening of the interchange is a milestone, even in its partial configuration,” said ODOT Project Manager Tim Fletcher.

Other portions of the project will be completed this spring, including the second half of the new Bear Creek Bridge.

In an effort to get the interchange open in mid-February, prime contractor Hamilton Construction striped the lanes with temporary paint. Once the weather improves, permanent durable striping will be applied with black striping next to the white for contrast.

“We’ve known since the first day that this would be a challenging project,” said ODOT Public Information Officer Gary Leaming. “This project involves building new roads, new ramps and new bridges. We’re also improving Oregon 99.”

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ODOT expects the southbound on-ramp to open in May. To tie in the new and the existing temporary ramp, the southbound ramp onto I-5 will be temporarily closed from Exit 24 for several days. Meanwhile, the west side of Oregon 99 will be in full construction, wrapping up with new asphalt paving.

Diverging Diamond Design The Fern Valley Interchange features Oregon’s first Diverging Diamond design, which reduced ODOT’s right of way needs for construction.

“The Diverging Diamond design was developed specifically with Phoenix in

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mind,” said Leaming. “The objective was to reduce the project footprint.

That reduces the project’s impact on surrounding businesses and reduces right of way costs. The design also provides better traffic capacity and safety for motorists.

“To enter I-5 or cross over it, drivers move to the opposite side of the bridge, which reduces the number of signal phases a driver needs to clear.”

‘Show Me State’ Inspiration The Missouri Department of Transportation was the first public agency in the United States to construct an interchange with this

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diamond design. Several additional DOTs across the nation have since adopted the design and successfully built new diverging diamond interchanges.

The ODOT project team traveled to Missouri in 2010 to meet with project manager Don Saiko and see the new design first hand. Located on Interstate 44 at the intersection with Missouri Highway 13 in Springfield, the new design moves traffic efficiently and safely through a previously-congested intersection in a major commercial area.

According to Saiko, the new design

is important to freight haulers. Time spent sitting in a bottleneck is money lost.

According to Leaming, the trip to Missouri paid dividends for ODOT, capturing lessons learned from Missouri’s effort.

ODOT produced a 3-D traffic simulation video to illustrate how the new interchange design would work.

“It really helped people see how to navigate a diverging diamond interchange,” said Leaming. “The 3-D traffic simulation video is still available online at the project website.”

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Problem, Process, Solution The Fern Valley interchange connects I-5 and Phoenix at Exit 24. The interchange experiences traffic congestion through the day, but is much worse during the morning and evening commutes. Existing and proposed development along the east side of I-5, as well as development growth within the Rogue Valley, are reducing the interchange’s capacity and causing safety concerns.

assessment fees, and heavy vehicle trip permit fees — was the last piece of the Fern Valley Interchange project’s funding puzzle.

The project’s design phase began in 2004. The Fern Valley Through design alternative was eliminated in 2009 because it would have an adverse impact on nearby farm land.

The Project Development Team later unanimously supported the North Phoenix Through build alternative as part of the federally required environmental assessment.

That same year, the Phoenix Planning Commission and Phoenix City Council approved an Interchange Area Management Plan for I-5 Exit 24. The IAMP is a requirement of the Oregon Transportation Commission, which sets policy for ODOT.

A $25 million investment from the 2009 Oregon Jobs and Transportation Act — a funding package based in part on increases in truck weight-mile flat fees, registration fees, road use

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Unlike previous Oregon transportation bills, the JTA dedicated most of the state’s share of revenue to specific projects. The bill listed 37 projects previously approved by the Oregon Transportation Commission that must be financed by bonds.

In 2012, the ODOT project team collaborated with a consortium of private contractors to develop construction methods best suited for the challenges ahead of this project, such as the close proximity of the new bridge ramps to the existing ramps.

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Natural Colors Aesthetic features inspired by the natural colors surrounding Phoenix, the hills and grasses, are incorporated in the Fern Valley Interchange project.

The use of concrete form liners and different stains and paints presented opportunities to design a bridge with a local look instead of the drab concrete structures commonly built when I-5 was first constructed.

The project team filtered through several designs with the help of Medford landscape architect John Galbraith, before selecting aesthetics for the Fern Valley Road bridges that span I-5 and Bear Creek at Exit 24.

Work Zone Safety People benefit from many safety features in the Fern Valley Interchange project’s work zone, including TripCheck traffic cameras, the Rogue Valley’s Incident Response vehicle, transverse rumble strips and a reduced speed limit to 50 mph.

The Oregon State Police patrols the work zone. Traffic fines double in

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work zones, even when there are no workers present. TripCheck cameras were installed to help keep an eye on traffic in the work zone.

“Adding TripCheck cameras to project provides drivers with the timely information they need to avoid congestion during construction,” said Leaming.

ODOT maintains a temporary construction office within The Shoppes at Exit 24 to serve as a base of operations for the project inspectors. The public is welcome to stop by the office for more information.

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How Do You Drive a

Diverging Diamond Interchange?

The Diverging Diamond Interchange is a different driving experience. The DDI moves traffic more safely and efficiently. Do your homework now.

Learn how to drive the DDI. Project Page http://goo.gl/9qIVIU

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Watch the project video, which shows you how to drive the new Fern Valley interchange at I-5 Exit 24.

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