Over three dozen key highway improvement projects are planned to be worked on in Eastern Oregon this summer.
Some are underway now and others are scheduled to begin later this year. Eastern Oregon travelers are reminded to watch for orange traffic cones and construction workers along Interstate 82 and 84, U.S. 20, 30, 26, 395, 730, and 95, plus numerous secondary state highways. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is urging motorists to pay extra attention and be prepared for equipment, flaggers and traffic pattern changes when you see construction signs and cones.
Distracted or inattentive driving and speed remain primary causes of crashes, so slow down and put cell phones and other distractions away while behind the wheel. Traffic fines are double the amount in all work zones.
Hundreds of miles of pavement will be resurfaced, aging bridges and culverts will be repaired or replaced, and a variety of other tasks performed to help keep highways safe and efficient.
Listed below are key highway projects with information:
I-82 (McNary Highway) – Repair eastbound Columbia River Bridge at Washington border. Lane closures, reduced speeds, traffic pattern changes and minor delays. Work is ongoing.
Completion: 12/2018
I-84 (Old Oregon Trail Highway) – Install screening at 4 bridge locations, Exits 180, 209, 243 and 304. Single lane travel at work sites, reduced speeds. Work is ongoing. Completion: 7/2018
I-84 (Old Oregon Trail Highway) – Upgrade 3 variable message reader boards above roadway, MP 214 EB, MP 267.5 WB and MP 309 WB. Single lane travel at work site, reduced speeds and minor delays. Occasional nighttime rolling slowdown with reduced speeds, pilot cars, temporary ramp closures with flaggers, and delays up to 20 minutes. Expected to start this summer. Completion: 7/2018
U.S. 730 (Columbia River Highway) – Nighttime paving between I-82 Exit 1 and Willamette Street at McNary between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. MP 184 to 186. Lane closures, reduced speeds, flaggers, delays up to 20 minutes. Work is ongoing and expected to be completed by end of May.
OR 207 (Hermiston Highway /11th St.) – Traffic signal upgrades at Orchard Ave. and Elm Avenue intersections in Hermiston. Lane restrictions, flaggers, delays up to 20 minutes. Work is ongoing. Completion: 12/2018
For up to date traffic condition information, please visit TripCheck.com. Road condition information is also available by phone by dialing 5-1-1, or (800) 977-6368. Outside of Oregon, travelers can call (503) 588-2941.
