Highway construction season has begun and several projects are currently underway.
Eastern Oregon travelers can expect to see orange traffic cones and construction workers at several dozen work sites throughout the year along Interstate 84 and secondary state highways.
The Oregon Department of Transportation reminds motorists to slow down, pay extra attention and be prepared for flaggers and traffic pattern changes when they see orange cones and construction signs . Distracted or inattentive driving and speed are primary causes of crashes.
With new, higher legal speed limits on many eastern and central Oregon routes, it is more important than ever to keep your mind on the task of driving.
Remember, traffic fines are double the amount in all work zones, regardless of the presence of construction workers. Please pay attention to avoid paying a fine, or being involved in a crash.
This year ODOT crews and their contractors will repair and resurface hundreds of miles of pavement, repair or replace aging bridges and culverts, add life-saving rumble strips, and perform other work necessary to keep highways safe and efficient.
Listed below are a number of key highway projects currently underway or expected to start soon. Construction timeframes are estimates and subject to change.
• Umatilla/Morrow/east Wheeler County Area I-84 Old Oregon Trail Highway – Concrete pavement repairs for westbound freeway between Exit 188 and Pendleton, MP 188–203. Lane closures, reduced speeds and minor delays. Mostly nighttime work. Daytime lane width will be 19 feet. Nighttime lane width will be reduced to 14 feet. Work expected to start July/August. Completion: 10/2016
• I-84 Old Oregon Trail Highway – Pavement grind/inlay between Pendleton and Cabbage Hill, MP 203.65–217.75. Single lane travel in work zone, reduced speeds and minor delays. Day and nighttime work. Work expected to start July/August. Completion: 9/2016
• U.S. 395 Umatilla-Stanfield Highway – Paving grind/inlay plus other upgrades in Hermiston between junction of U.S. 730 and SE 4th Street, MP 0.0–6. This project is mostly completed. Some minor work may be occurring in the area over next week with minimal impacts to traffic. Completion: 7/2016
• U.S. 395 Pendleton-John Day Highway – Add rumble strips, possible shoulder paving six miles south of Pendleton, MP 6.9–14.53. No impacts expected. Work is now completed.
