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| I-5/Beltline ramps will move to make room for crane | ||
| 06/15/2008 | ||
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SPRINGFIELD – Monday morning commuters driving northbound Interstate 5 to Beltline Highway will face two significant lane changes. The changes represent another milestone as the $72.5 million first phase of the interchange improvement project enters the final stretch toward completion this fall. The northbound I-5 off-ramps to Beltline will be shifted at 5 a.m. Monday morning to new alignments. Those northbound drivers seeking to access eastbound Beltline and Gateway Street will do so by driving in the far right exit-only lane. Drivers who access the eastbound Beltline exit-only lane by mistake will not be allowed to re-enter I-5 northbound traffic. Drivers seeking access to westbound Beltline will stay in the middle northbound lane and travel about 250 feet past the eastbound Beltline exit, and then make a sharp right turn to the westbound Beltline ramp. This configuration was used in 2007 and resulted in confusion for motorists who failed to read the portable message boards as they approached the interchange. The temporary realignment is necessary so workers can begin removing the steel pipes and I-beams once used to support middle and southern portions of the flyover bridge. In order to remove the support structures, the project’s general contractor, Mowat Construction, will bring in a large crane. The traffic alignment change will remain in effect through Friday. In another sign of steady progress, the lanes of westbound Beltline will be paved at night this week. The nighttime paving will begin at 9 p.m. Monday. ODOT asks motorists to drive with care and caution in and around the work area and be prepared for slowing traffic. # # ODOT # #
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