FERN VALLEY ON TRACK for 2014 construction start With the Fern Valley Interchange project bid opening scheduled for October, utility and right of way work continues at a brisk pace around the Interstate 5 exit 24 interchange in preparation for the $72 million project.
project back six months due to delays in acquiring the necessary right of way to construct a crossing diamond design for the new exit 24 interchange.
“We’re not happy about the delay but, on the bright side, we expect to “Utility companies have been worksee more competitive bids in Octoing since last spring to clear the way ber than we would have opened at for the impending road conthe beginning of the sumstruction,” said Dennis mer,” said ODOT Project Steers, ODOT’s public Leader Dick Leever. service representa“Contractors coming The crossing diamond tive. “Some utiloff a summer conity lines are being design provides a higher struction season buried and some tend to crunch capacity to move traffic lines are being numbers harder as while reducing right of relocated above they look forward ground. to the next conway needs. struction season. — ODOT Project Leader Dick Leever “The utility work may look and feel “I expect the compelike the larger project tition to submit better but you haven’t seen numbers in October.” anything yet. Building a new interchange will require at least two Crossing diamond design full construction seasons, so motorists The project’s design leaves most nearneed to continue to be patient and by roadways west of the interchange aware as they drive through the relatively untouched while constructproject area on I-5, Oregon 99 and ing the new interchange Fern Valley Road.” at a location just north of the existing bridge. Connecting I-5 and Phoenix, the Fern Valley interchange has its share of “The interchange’s crossing diamond traffic congestion, which is especially design provides a higher capacity to severe during the morning and evemove traffic while reducing right of ning commutes. Development, both existing and proposed, along the east way needs,” Leever said. side of the interstate in Phoenix has Vehicles crossing the interchange reduced the capacity and safety at move to the opposite side of the road the interchange. to either enter I-5 or to cross it, reducing the number of signal cycles for Earlier this year, the design team traffic to clear. pushed the Fern Valley Interchange odotmovingahead.com
September 6, 2013
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