Moving Ahead Fall/Winter 2020

A Mail Tribune Advertising Department Publication

2020

20

NOVEMBER

Header

Holiday Travel with COVID-19

5

Coming ADA Projects

7

Winter Ready?

13

Seismic Preps

19

Spring Preview

22 odotmovingahead.com

November 20, 2020

3

Header is here; fire's effects linger Winter The calendar says Thanksgiving is next week and winter is around the corner. But the aftermath of Oregon’s wildfires will stay with us through this new season and beyond.

Many of our neighbors, friends and family members lost homes and businesses in the Almeda and South Obenchain Fires. Evaluations and debriefs of what worked and what didn’t in response to the chaos of September 8 will come.

In the meantime, recovery is underway. For ODOT that includes replacing burnt guardrail and signs, removing imminent hazard trees from highways, including Interstate 5 and Oregon 99.

Last month, the Oregon Legislature set aside funds and tasked ODOT with overseeing Step 2 of fire debris removal. Because of our contracting experience on large projects, we’ll have oversight on the contractors who’ll remove debris from burned properties. We’ve pulled managers and experts from their daily duties to help with this important reconstruction which could take up to 18 months.

We’re also evaluating Oregon 99

between Phoenix and south Medford for needed upgrades to assist in the recovery of this area that was decimated by the fire, losing nearly every single residence and business in the corridor. Future improvements may see the beginning of continuous sidewalks, bike lanes and crosswalks.

On Oregon 138 East, the ravages of the Archie Creek and Thielsen Fires will be watched for falling trees, landslides and roadside ‘pop-outs’ after winter rains and snow.

For all of us, safe winter driving preparation is key. Snow tires, chains, wipers and a well-serviced vehicle will help get us through on our everyday trips or visits for the holidays, even with COVID-19. Information available at Tripcheck.com in Oregon and Quickmap in California will again be a traveler’s best friend.

Finally, as you’ll read inside, our crews will be ready with our usual winter tools of plows, sand and, when needed on Interstate 5, a sprinkling of salt. To be successful, winter travel is a team activity.

We’re prepared – we hope you’ll be prepared as well! ■

CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Gary Leaming 541-774-6388 gary.w.leaming@odot.state.or.us

ADVERTISING Molly Little 541-776-4427 mlittle@rosebudmedia.com

44

Paul Bunch, Amy Tse Graphic Design Steve Johnson Photography Brian Fitz-Gerald Illustrations Shelley Snow, Editing

November June 26,20, 2020 2020

odotmovingahead.com

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.

NOVEMBER

20 2020

AAA Offers Tips, Resources for Header Traveling during the Pandemic percent of those will go by car.

By Marie Dodds, AAA Oregon-Idaho Traveling sure looks different this fall and winter because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to advise that staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

For those who make the personal decision to travel, AAA has tips and advice to help you be a responsible traveler. Visit www.AAA.com/covid for the latest info.

A recent AAA survey finds that the great American road trip is the most popular way to travel. The survey finds that three out of 10 Americans are planning a vacation before the end of 2020, and 80

“Traveling during the coronavirus pandemic requires you to do your homework before heading out,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Book your lodging and activities in advance, and plan your stops for food, gasoline and EV charging. Many national parks and attractions limit capacity so it’s best to make arrangements for these in advance.”

What to know before you go: • Heed all official warnings and remain vigilant while traveling. Refer to the latest updates from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of State to help decrease the spread of COVID-19. story continued on page 6

MF-00131852

odotmovingahead.com

November June 20, 26, 2020

5

Traveling during the Pandemic Header Check the CDC’s COVID-19 data tracker, municipal and state health departments and local news for updates on coronavirus cases and continue to do so while on the road. story continued from page 5

• Visit AAA.com/Covidmap for travel restrictions for each destination you plan to visit. AAA has developed an interactive TripTik map with COVID-19 travel restrictions. Just click on the destination you’d like to visit for the latest information.

attractions, etc. you want to visit and consider purchasing tickets in advance.

Many will have reduced operating hours and limit the number of visitors at a time. Many require face masks.

• Bring snacks, beverages and non-perishable foods with you.

Grocery stores and restaurants may have limited hours. Check to see if restaurants are open, and if they offer dine-in service, take-out and/or delivery. Pack picnic supplies and look for scenic stops where you can enjoy the outdoors while social distancing.

• Pack hygiene, cleaning and • Book your lodging, camping and disinfecting products such as face rental car in advance. Many providers masks, hand are limiting the sanitizer, soap, number of guests wipes, sprays, paper and/or allowing Traveling during the towels, tissues, toilet more time coronavirus pandemic paper, thermometer, between guests, gloves, etc. as so availabilities are requires you to do these items may be reduced. your homework… difficult to purchase • Prior to any while you’re on the — Marie Dodds stay, ask what Public Affairs Director road. for AAA Oregon/Idaho precautions hotels, • Pay with a credit campgrounds and card instead of cash and use a wipe or other lodging are taking to protect sanitizing spray to disinfect your credit guests. Ask about social distancing card before putting it away. protocols like capacity reductions in common spaces, if staff are required • Take all necessary travel to wear masks at all times, and about changes to the check-in process. Many documentation, including health insurance cards. properties have reduced face-to-face interactions with guests.

• Consider working with a travel professional to help plan your trip.

• Check on the cleaning standards.

They can help you sort through all Many hotels, campgrounds, parks and of the pandemic-related restrictions, rental car companies offer enhanced cleaning policies. For extra confidence, help you get the biggest bang for your vacation dollars, and act look for Diamond hotels that display a as an advocate if plans change AAA Inspector’s Best Of Housekeeping unexpectedly. Visit AAA.com/Travel to badge. get started.

• When you check into your room, • Get your car road-trip ready. wipe down commonly touched Breakdowns are always a hassle, and surfaces with disinfectant. Pay special you don’t want to be stranded during attention to light switches, door the coronavirus pandemic. Find a knobs, faucets, refrigerator handles, trusted mechanic nearby at AAA.com/ and remote controls. repair. Find advice on winter driving at AAA.com/winterprep.

• Check with any museums, parks,

“

”

66

November June 26, 20,2020 2020

odotmovingahead.com

Southern Oregon ADA Projects Header Continuing this winter and for the next decade, we’ll be repairing thousands of intersections along Oregon state highways to bring them into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some 25,000 ramps along state highways are scheduled for upgrades, with nearly 3,000 in southwest Oregon alone.

to improving curb ramps and pedestrian signals along all state highways.

More than one in five Oregonians have a disability and the most common one affects mobility, according to Tiffany Hassler, ADA Program analyst. When finished, all Oregonians will have improved access to sidewalks that include better signs, tactile features and audible crossings.

“It’s a work in progress. ODOT has stepped up to the plate,” said Randy Samuelson, executive director of HASL, the Handicap Awareness Support League in Grants Pass. He appreciates ODOT’s willingness to partner because being independent is experiencing the human condition – being able to get out and socialize safely.

The effort to improve statewide curb ramps began in 2017 in response to a lawsuit by the Association of Oregon Centers for Independent Living. A settlement outlines ODOT’s commitment

odotmovingahead.com

It also addresses accessible routes through work zones; outreach to communities and addressing public concerns; and ADA compliant curb ramps and pedestrian signals in all future projects.

ODOT is making steady progress to ensure that all system users have a safe and reliable transportation system. see the ADA project map on pages 8 and 9

November June 20, 26, 2020

7

Americans with Disabilities Act

Grants Pass Rogue River

The Oregon Department of Transportation will construct more than 250 intersection ramps in Jackson and Josephine Counties in the next two years to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. These ramps must meet stringent standards as to the level of approach and degree of slope. The landing must also include a tactile pad for those who are sight impaired.

Rebuilding these ramps are a priority for ODOT to meet the agency’s settlement agreement with Disability Rights Oregon. Many of these projects will be done during the daytime hours. Those that adversely affect traffic will be done at night. ODOT will ensure that pedestrians — including those with disabilities — will have temporary access through the intersection.

To view what ramps will be rebuilt in these communities under this project, visit www.SouthernOregonADAprojects.org or use the QR code.

www.SouthernOregonADAprojects.org

88

November 20, 2020 November June 26,20, 2020 2020

odotmovingahead.com odotmovingahead.com

Project: 2020-21

Eagle Point

Gold Hill

White City

Central Point

Jacksonville

238 Medford

odotmovingahead.com

November 20, 2020

9

After Almeda: the recovery After the Almeda Fire ripped through north Ashland, Talent and Phoenix, the damage was so extensive, it took days to safely allow people inside the fire zone.

The hazards were many, including downed trees, utility poles and lines all across Oregon 99 and the local streets.

Besides the debris recovery of nearly 3,000 homes, contractors came in to assist state crews with tree felling and guard rail repair. About 800 trees were severely burned or became hazards along I-5 and Oregon 99. More than a mile of guardrail burned in the fire, as well 4 - 5 miles of highway fencing and nearly 100 stop signs and other state highway regulatory and advisory signs.

10

November June 26,20, 2020 2020

odotmovingahead.com

After Almeda: the recovery

The Bear Creek Greenway has been reseeded with 20 tons of native seed mix to prevent erosion and keep fire debris locked in place. Erosion control features have been built or placed along the burn scar to keep debris out of Bear Creek itself.

Nearly all of ODOT’s $3 million emergency and recovery work will be compensated by Federal Highway Administration.

Recovery efforts will continue through the fall and winter and the rebuilding phase is just beginning.

ODOT has been tasked statewide with overseeing the so-called Step 2 clean-up of burned properties. Contractors will be hired to remove the debris from burned properties.

This is an important next step toward recovery of the areas of our state affected by the wildfires. â–

odotmovingahead.com

November June 20, 26, 2020

11

Header Roundabout Wrap-Up Oregon’s newest roundabout opened last month. The Oregon 140 roundabout is the sixth roundabout to open on a state highway in Oregon and the first in southern Oregon.

Oregon 140 traffic can still make left turns onto Kershaw Road.

“Roundabouts are not an end all, but they save lives on high speed rural intersections,” said Haas. ■

Roundabouts on high speed, rural highways have a proven safety record. Studies show they reduce fatal and serious injury crashes as compared to similar rural intersections with traffic signals, according to ODOT Traffic Standards Engineer Kevin Haas.

The Kershaw Road intersection to the east is changed to prevent traffic from crossing the highway. Kershaw Road traffic can still make right turns onto the highway.

12

November 20, 2020

odotmovingahead.com

HeaderPreps!

Winter Nothing says winter is back better than the clanging steel of tire chains being muscled onto ODOT’s equipment at the Ashland and Siskiyou Summit maintenance yards.

“It’s definitely a heavy lift, depending on the rig,” said ODOT Ashland Maintenance Manager Bob Harshman. Chains can weigh several hundred pounds, especially for the graders and loaders used to fill cinder in the 10 yard plow and sander combinations.

Summit is the highest point on I-5 between Canada and Mexico, not to mention the three I-5 passes north of Grants Pass that also get snow that snarls traffic.

ODOT focuses most of its resources on the Interstate 5 corridor due to the amount of freight and number of vehicles on the West Coast corridor. The goal during storms is to get the roadway to bare pavement as quickly as possible. But that doesn’t mean people can skip being prepared for winter travel.

“Please stay on state highways especially through mountain passes. If I-5 is closed due to snow, don’t follow your GPS …if you travel in or onto a snowy, nonout of the Rogue Valley, maintained county or forest road. You’ll get you will drive over a stuck and stranded,” high mountain pass. We said Griffin.

“But we’ll be ready to go when the snow falls,” he said.

“

The southern Oregon ODOT team – covering from the California Border to Diamond Lake – is ready to go this winter with sheds full of cinder for want you to be ready.

Cascade mountain traction and storage — Jeremiah Griffin highways between tanks of liquid deicer, Interim District Manager the Rogue Valley and the equipment to and Klamath Falls, apply it. Along the I-5 Diamond Lake and Bend are higher in corridor, they can even tap into salt when elevation and managed at a different necessary to keep traffic moving when the level. Plowing to remove snow and alternative is to stop all traffic and make putting down cinder for traction are the nearly everyone to chain up. main tools.

“The old adage of the snow zone “The expectation is that we’ll have snow manager is ‘we’re ready, but are you (the pack on these highways,” said Griffin. public) ready’ for what Mother Nature “And for the most part, drivers know and will throw our way?” said Interim District expect that.”

Manager Jeremiah Griffin.

”

2020 has been an unusual year.

COVID-19 restrictions reduced traffic numbers in the spring, then September’s wildfires closed Interstate 5 several times along with several other Oregon Cascade mountain highways.

“We know everyone has been through a lot,” said Griffin. “But the constant from one year to the next is, if you travel in or out of the Rogue Valley, you will drive over a high mountain pass. We want you to be ready.”

A lot of attention is focused on Interstate 5 in the Siskiyous. At 4,130 feet, Siskiyou odotmovingahead.com odotmovingahead.com

That means drivers should be especially prepared to slow down, and carry chains and know how to install them and have all the necessary items to safely make it to their destinations.

Unlike past decades, the amount of information available to winter drivers today is amazing, said Griffin.

Electronic message signs, personal Smart Phones, Tripcheck, QuickMap in California, Waze, and Twitter all are helpful in keeping motorists “in the know” about the changing conditions before and during their trip. ■ November 2020 November June 20, 26,15, 2019

13

Mountain Pass Preparation

Elevation 1,960 feet

Merlin

234

Grants Pass

Jacksonville

238

Elevation 2,170 feet

Elevation 1,598 feet Applegate

Cave Junction

Travel Smart Winter travel in southern Oregon means you’ll probably travel through a snow zone and over a high mountain pass or two. The key is to be prepared and know before you go! Tripcheck.com is your first stop for the most up-to-date conditions.

CHECK OUT THESE SOUTHERN OREGON WINTER TRAVEL VIDEOS AND TRAVEL SMART:

14

DRIVE SISKIYOU SUMMIT:

PUSHER TRUCK:

CHAIN CHECK POINT:

WWW.BIT.LY/ 31P0IAB

WWW.BIT.LY/ 3JGHOSM

WWW.BIT.LY/ 3EBTD8R

November 20, 2020

odotmovingahead.com

north of crater lake

138

Elevation 5,925 feet 138

230

Elevation 5,120 feet

Medford

Talent

Ashland

Elevation 4,551 feet

66

Elevation 4,310 feet

! use chain-up areas Elevation 4,310 feet

CALIFORNIA

15

Conditional Header closures Extreme winter conditions on Interstate 5 Siskiyou Pass and the summits north of Grants Pass often require a conditional road closure – a requirement for all vehicles to use chains regardless of the type of vehicle or type of tire.

ODOT and Oregon State Police maintain check points and will turn a motorist around if they aren’t prepared.

I-5 SOUTHERN OREGON CHAIN RESTRICTIONS 1. Carry Chains Chains must be in or on your vehicle and must be the right size and of sufficient number to comply with chain laws.

2. Single Axle Trucks and Vehicles Pulling Trailers All single axle trucks over 10,000 GVW (gross vehicle weight), trucks pulling double trailers, and any vehicle pulling a trailer is required to install chains.

Traction tires cannot be substituted for chains.

3. All Trucks and Vehicles Pulling Trailers All trucks over 10,000 GVW as well as any vehicle pulling a trailer needs to chain up.

Traction tires cannot be substituted for chains.

4. Full Chain Restriction This is Oregon’s most severe winter restriction.

All vehicles, with the exception of vehicles with 4-wheel drive (unless towing) and emergency response vehicles, are required to install chains. A traction tire is not allowed to substitute for chains.

16

June 26, 2020 November 20, 2020

Follow the QR code, or follow the link below, to learn how to drive I-5 Siskiyou Summit in the winter. youtu.be/SYlZLmaairA

odotmovingahead.com

KNOW

BEFORE YOU GO

Pay attention to these four snow zone messages:

Carry Chains or Traction Tires The chains or traction tires must be in or on your vehicle, and they must be the right size for your vehicle and of sufficient number to comply with the chain rules.

Chains Required on Vehicles Towing or Over 10,000 GVW Vehicles towing or rated for more than 10,000 pounds GVW must use chains.

Chains Required on Vehicles Towing or Single Drive Axle Over 10,000 GVW You must use chains if your vehicle is rated 10,000 pounds GVW (gross vehicle weight) or less and is towing; or is a single drive axle vehicle rated over 10,000 GVW. Chains must also be used on the trailer or vehicle being towed to comply with chain rules.

Chains Required-Traction Tires Allowed on Vehicles Under 10,000 GVW Vehicles towing or rated for 10,000 pounds GVW must use chains. Vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds GVW or less and that are not towing must use chains or traction tires.

CHAIN REQUIREMENTS

Chains include link chains, cable chains, or any other device that attaches to the wheel, vehicle, or outside of the tire, which is specifically designed to increase traction on ice and snow.

Traction tires include studded tires or tires that meet tire industry standards for use in severe snow conditions.

Studless traction tires that meet Rubber

odotmovingahead.com

Manufacturers Association standards for use in severe snow conditions carry a special symbol on the tire sidewall: a three-peaked mountain and snowflake.

Research shows these tires provide better traction than studded tires on bare pavement.

When towing, cars and light trucks must use chains on both tires of the drive axle; chains also must be on the two outside tires of at least one axle of a trailer that is equipped with a brake.

In most winter conditions, four-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles are exempt from the requirement to use chains or traction tires if the vehicle is not towing.

November June 20, 26, 2020

17

4

THINGS

by Marie Dodds AAA of Oregon/Idaho

I WISH EVERY DRIVER WOULD DO

Emergency Kit for Winter Driving AAA recommends including these items in your “emergency kit” for winter driving.

Flashlight

Cellphone

Washer fluid

AAA membership card r

Membe

First aid kit Jumper cables Water

Warning triangles/flares

Gloves

OTHER ITEMS TO CONSIDER:

cellphone charger, tire chains, rope, traction sand/mats, coats/hats, snack food and fire extinguisher.

Snowbrush/ice scraper Tool kit

Shovel

Blankets/rags

Exchange.AAA.com

1. Car Preparation Get ready by checking: • Tire tread and pressure • Battery strength • Fluid levels • Check heater/defroster • All lights • Wipers • Hoses and fan belts • Spare tire and jack 2. Winter Driving Kit • Jumper cables • Tow and tire chains (know how to install) • Abrasive materials like sand • Warm clothing, hats gloves • Water and snacks • Prescription medicine • Phone charger • Warning flares • Ice scraper and brush

3. Drive Smart!

• Drive to the conditions • Slow down on snow/ice covered roads • Increase following distance • Increase braking distance • Steer out of a skid • Avoid unnecessary lane changes on snow/ice 4. Use Common Sense • Dress according to weather conditions. Have an extra coat, hat and gloves in case yours gets wet changing tire or installing chains.

• Let family members know your travel plans and route, expected time of arrival • Don’t blindly follow GPS. Stay on roads that are well-maintained • If stuck, stay with vehicle.

P L A N A H E A D A N D B E P R E PA R E D !

18

November June 26,20, 2020 2020

odotmovingahead.com

Seismic Triage Project September’s Rogue Valley wildfires are an “excellent wake-up call” for disaster planning, especially with an expected Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake predicted in the near future, said SOU Geologist Emeritus Eric Dittmer.

“If Cascadia unzips, we’re unprepared,” he said.

Experts say there’s a one in three chance we’ll see a Cascadia earthquake in the next 50 years. When it “unzips,” we can expect 3-5 minutes of shaking and long term impacts to the region, including injury and deaths.

When the shaking stops, much of the region will be isolated by damaged or destroyed bridges. Landslides may also block major routes into and out of the Rogue Valley. And that’s just the roadway features. Dittmer said everyday items we take for granted such as

power, water and gas lines will be out.

While ODOT has a strategic plan to rebuild and reconnect the state region-by-region, the idea behind the Southern Oregon Seismic Resiliency project, passed by the 2017 Oregon Legislature, is to armor key southern Oregon bridges and hillside slopes before the Big One at a cost of about about $45 million.

“The idea is to prepare now so the area can get back on its feet as quickly as possible, to get the region reconnected to the outside world,” said ODOT Project Manager Chris Hunter. “How can we act strategically now to improve key bridges and known problem slopes to keep critical, life-saving goods flowing into and out of the region?“ ODOT crews prioritized or evaluated story continued on page 20

Reach more than

100,000 Rogue Valley readers

Inserted in the Mail Tribune, Ashland Tidings, The Grants Pass Daily Courier, Rogue River Press and the Illinois Valley News

We’re in busy places including the Medford International Airport, the Medford Visitors Center, the Rogue Valley Transit District and the DMV

Reach your customers! Call 541-776-4422 odotmovingahead.com

November June 20, 26, 2020

19

Seismic Triage Project story continued from page 19

(Rogue River Highway) will be replaced in the near future as part of the project. Other, smaller bridges along Oregon 140 will be retrofitted between Medford and Klamath Falls.

the most vulnerable bridges and slopes to keep the Rogue Valley connected along the I-5 corridor to Eugene and the Willamette Valley, and from the Rogue Valley east to the U.S. 97 corridor over Oregon 140.

Dittmer said September’s wildfires showed we’re not prepared for a major disaster but that ODOT’s projects are a good, first step. He hopes Rogue Valley residents also take note by having a “Go Bag” ready and accessible and a plan for what to do next. ■

The plan is to quickly clear some kind of roadway connection – in the days and weeks after a subduction zone quake – even if it’s a single lane or two. By keeping that connection, critical supplies can get into and out of the area.

The first armoring of bridges just wrapped up near Sunny Valley and will soon come to several I-5 bridges in the Grants Pass area. The idea is to strengthen these 60 year-old bridges so they won’t tip over or lose their horizontal girders during an earthquake.

Three other bridges along Oregon 99

SCAN

To learn more about earthquake preparedness go to:

https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

80 Years of Leadership

COUNT ON US TO BUILD THE FUTURE

Building the recently completed Highway 62 Expressway is nothing new for Knife River.

We’ve been lending a hand on major projects for more than eight decades. We’re also leading the way with environmentally friendly Warm Mix asphalt, high quality concrete, and new services at our Medford Building Materials Store. One thing hasn’t changed in all these years – our employees dedication to bringing their A-Game to your job.

If you want the best for you and the environment, give Knife River a call today.

MF-00132196

20

541-770-2960 November 20, 2020

odotmovingahead.com

odotmovingahead.com

November 20, 2020

21

Grants Pass GRANTS PASS

GRoseburg RUBESOR

MEDFORD Medford

Ashland DNALHSA

Eugene EUGENE

Southern Oregon Seismic Resiliency Project

Klamath Falls KLAMATH FALLS

WWW.BIT.LY/32GTBHT

For more information on the southern Oregon seismic routes scan the code or visit:

The Southern Oregon Seismic projects identify and upgrade key bridges and hillside slopes before an expected Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake shakes the Pacific Northwest. Because the U.S. 97 corridor is expected to be least affected by such an earthquake, supplies can be brought in from outside the region through Klamath Falls. Portions of Interstate 5 and Oregon 99 will also be seismicallystrengthened so connections can be re-established with the Willamette Valley and northern Oregon.

SOUTHERN OREGON TRIAGE ROUTES

Oregon 140: I-5 to Blackwell Improvements Blackwell Road as well as Kirtland Road several years ago from Jackson County.

As part of the trade, ODOT transferred ownership of several I-5 frontage roads, Avenue G in White City and the Jackson County portion of Tiller-Trail Highway.

Mike Card can’t wait for improvements to come to Blackwell Road, north of Central Point. The owner of Combined Transport says his fleet of interstate trucks comes in and out of the Combined Transport yard on Blackwell Road about 20 times a day.

Most of the time it’s a struggle to access the facility on the narrow two-lane road because of the traffic, especially a high number of rock, concrete and asphalt trucks.

With a road improvement project planned for next summer to straighten and widen the highway, Card knows his drivers will breathe easier.

“Our drivers can’t wait,” said Card.

Next spring and summer, an ODOT contractor will work on a nearly $10 million project to widen and straighten the narrow one time original route of U.S. 99. The new roadway will feature a wider two-lane highway with a center turn lane. The roadway will also feature bike lanes, center line and shoulder rumble strips, along with high visibility striping and signs.

“This road is a critical connection from the freeway to White City, Shady Cove and points east. It’s way too narrow and curvy.

Along with the very narrow shoulders, it’s all very difficult for our trucks with little room for error,” Card said.

ODOT acquired this section of

22

November June 26,20, 2020 2020

It made sense to acquire Blackwell and Kirtland Roads from the county, according to ODOT Interim District Manager Jeremiah Griffin.

“This highway, now designated as Oregon 140, truly acts as a state highway and not a ‘farm to market’ road typically associated with a county road. There’s commuter traffic but there’s obviously a high number of interstate trucks as well as aggregate trucks that use the highway,” said Griffin.

This area has nearly all of the aggregate resources in the Rogue Valley and is home to Knife River Materials, as well as other sand and gravel operations.

“A wider and straighter roadway will drastically improve safety for the traveling public, local businesses, and our business and customers as well,” said Joe Soares, general manager of Knife River Material’s operations in the Medford area.

As funding becomes available, improvements will continue. Utility relocations are planned for next spring prior to the improvement project.

Once underway, it’s anticipated construction will be under traffic with flaggers. Some night and weekend work is also planned.

This project may be underway at the same time as the nearby paving/ bridge work on Oregon 140 between the Bear Creek Bridge and 5th Avenue in White City. ■ odotmovingahead.com

Header 140: Bear Creek Bridge to Oregon 5th Avenue – White City Another 2021 improvement project on Highway 140 will begin next summer.

This project is between the Bear Creek Bridge east to 5th Avenue in White City.

The estimated $7.3 million project will replace the aged and cracking pavement with a new asphalt surface. Like Blackwell Road just to the west, the former county road is in need of a facelift along with new striping and signs and recessed reflective pavement markers.

“This is a horrible roadway in the fog and darkness of winter,” said Jeremiah Griffin, Interim ODOT District Manager.

The 5 miles of improvements will make the highway safer for the growing number of vehicles that use it as a connection to I-5 from White City and Eagle Point. It’s also a heavily used freight route between Klamath Falls, White City and Interstate 5. Like the previous section to the west, there’s a large number of aggregate trucks that use the route.

odotmovingahead.com

Due to the amount of daytime traffic on the roadway, most of the pavement work will be done at night.

However, extensive work on the narrow, 1954-era bridge will need to be done under a full closure.

Several full weekend closures are planned between High Banks Road and Antelope Road to allow the contractor enough time to work on the narrow Whetstone Creek Bridge.

That work will entail removing and replacing the bridge rail and all the asphalt on the bridge, including several hundred feet leading up to the bridge. In addition, a new waterproof sealant will be applied to the bridge before all the pavement can be brought back to the highway grade.

Detours during the full weekend closures will be signed, and local traffic and the few residents living in the project area will be allowed access to their homes. ■

November June 20, 26, 2020

23

Header Coast Bike Route Oregon

The Oregon Coast Bike Route is a popular, on-road bike route that travels about 370 miles from Astoria to the California border, mostly on U.S. 101 but also occasionally on local roadways. ODOT is in the final stages of crafting a plan that identifies opportunities to incorporate projects and other improvements that will benefit all people who travel the route. To learn more go to: oregoncoastbikeroute.org

Get Set for Winter Travel! ✓ Emergency ❑

✓ Antifreeze ❑

✓ Ice Scraper/ ❑

✓ Batteries ❑

Road Kit

Wiper Blades

✓ Flashlight ❑

Your Locally Owned Shopping Center For Over 50 Years!

✓ Tire Chains ❑

1810 W. Main St. Medford • 541-779-5431 MF-00131879

24

June 26,20, 2020 November 2020

odotmovingahead.com

I-5: Header CA Border to Ashland Paving After COVID-19 affected construction season, major Interstate 5 improvements south of Ashland are complete until next April.

All lanes and ramps reopened on October 15 to make way for the winter season over Siskiyou Summit.

Next spring, contractor Carter and Company will be back for what could be the last construction season working on the interstate, with the focus again on the concrete roadway and the Exit 6 southbound bridge.

“We get it. This year’s work on the northbound I-5 bridge had an impact on the lives of those who use the Mt. Ashland exit to get to and from their homes,” said ODOT Project Manager Chris Hunter. “Along with COVID and everything else the year has thrown at us all, we appreciate their patience for the last seven months.

Next year won’t be near as bad – at least with the interstate work.”

be able to squeeze through. Instead, they’ll divert off the interstate and back on it at a temporary on-ramp, just south of the southbound bridge, which will be undergoing repairs.

Rutted concrete roadway surfaces will be repaired or replaced with new concrete. New shoulder paving and striping is also planned.

New variable message and speed advisory signs have been folded into this contract. Hunter said that will allow for cost savings and reduced delays on the interstate.

“These new electronic signs will not only allow us to advise drivers of traffic incidents on the Siskiyous but will also advise them of the changing speed limit due to weather conditions,” said ODOT Interim District Manager Jeremiah Griffin. ■

In 2021, the concrete roadway and rebar of the Exit 6 southbound bridge will be demolished and dropped onto Old Siskiyou Highway below.

Like last year, that will mean about a oneweek closure to drop it and clean up the area underneath the bridge.

Unlike last year, the connecting ramps will remain open during the demolition and after.

However, the southbound on-ramp will take on a different look.

Hunter said during construction, due to the width of the soon-tobe temporary two-way northbound bridge, wide loads southbound won’t odotmovingahead.com

November June 20, 26, 2020

25

GLASS. .. It’s what we do!

Full Service Glass Shop Since 1954

541-773-1058 Open Mon – Fri 8 to 5 • CCB#168846 229 South Front Street, Downtown Medford A division of BetterView LLC • farrellsglass.com