Fern Valley Interchange project moving toward 2014 construction date

ODOT is currently working on final design and right of way, in preparation for the October 31, 2013 bid opening for the Phoenix interchange project. Construction would begin in early 2014.  Originally planned to bid in April, the date was delayed due to design changes and critical right of way purchases. 

ODOT project managers are also examining project staging options that minimize impacts to the driving public as well as Phoenix area interchange businesses. Last year, a ‘constructability review’ that included representatives from two large construction companies helped vet sequencing to minimize inconvenience to drivers while opening a wide area for the contractor to work and get the project completed.

This staging will include the use of temporary on and off ramps for both northbound and southbound traffic, and some short term closures to get those open. To get the project constructed, Phoenix area motorists should expect a change in their daily routes and drivers will need to be flexible. Again, the intent is to keep business open and traffic moving.

UPDATED: FV Interchange Phoenix CC March 2013.pdf

Aesthetic Design links:
Fern Valley Interchange Bridge and I-5
View from Greenway to Fern Valley Road 

The Federal Highway Administration approved its Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Fern Valley Interchange project last year. This action follows release of the Environmental Assessment in the winter of 2010 after six years of project development. A local team, with the help of landscape architect developed aesthetic features for the two bridges in the interchange area taking into account the local landscape and the influence of the pear growing industry.
 
The Environmental Assessment findings and supporting documents are linked below.
 
Click here to see the latest overall design file
Click here to see the Fern Valley Interchange Environmental Assessment


FONSI documents:
Signed FONSI - June 30, 2011
Final FONSI - September 6, 2011
Comment Matrix

 
The Fern Valley Interchange, located at Interstate 5 exit 24, experiences traffic congestion throughout the day, especially during the morning and afternoon commute. New and proposed development on the east side of I-5, as well as development growth within the Rogue Valley, are choking the interchange's capacity and causing safety concerns.
 
The $73 million project is scheduled to begin construction in 2013. The Fern Valley interchange is expected to be constructed using a 'crossing' or 'diverging diamond' design that provides a higher capacity to move traffic while requiring lower right-of-way needs.
 
The Missouri Department of Transportation was the first agency to construct a diverging diamond interchange in the United States. This interchange design can be constructed for a relatively smaller price tag than more conventional designs, and is safer because there are fewer conflicting moves. Vehicles crossing the interchange move to the opposite side of the road to either enter I-5 or to cross it, reducing the number of traffic signal cycles for traffic to clear.
 
Project design background
The project's design phase started in 2004 and went through a major overhaul in 2006 when local opposition rose against plans to widen Highway 99 in Phoenix. The "Fern Valley Through" design alternative was eliminated late last year, on the counsel of the Department of Justice, because it would have an adverse impact on nearby farm land.
 
Fern Valley Interchange Timeline
October 2010           Environmental Assessment published
February 2011          PDT recommends Build Alternative
                                 City of Phoenix Approves IAMP
June 2011                 Federal Highway signs the FONSI 


October 2013           Project goes to Contract
Early 2014                Construction Begins
2016                         Construction Complete