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Groundbreaking Begins in 2006
The $52 million South Medford Interchange project is in the final stages of design and development with the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for summer 2006.
The project is a joint venture between the Oregon Department of Transportation and the City of Medford. The project will relieve traffic congestion and safety problems at the current Barnett Road interchange on Interstate 5, which was built in the 1960s.
The Federal Highway Administration signed the Record of Decision on the South Medford Interchange environmental document earlier this summer. The signature, in effect, approves the project for construction.
"This process took a lot of time, but we wanted to get it right," said ODOT Project Leader Debbie Timms. "We welcomed comments from the public in the draft environmental document. Our staff and the consultant answered the questions and concerns.
"Now, we look forward to developing a higher level of design on the bridges and roadway. This will allow our right of way staff to begin the process of property appraisals."
Federal signature of the Record of Decision caps off the Final Environmental Impact Statement released last February. The FEIS is required on all federally funded projects that have a significant impact on the natural and human environment.
The FEIS documented the rationale for identification of the Highland Alternative as the "preferred" alternative. The document also updates and amends the Draft Environmental Impact Statement where information was changed due to design changes.
Although not part of the interchange project, initial construction in the area will be the replacement of the original Bear Creek bridges on I-5. Much of the other interchange work will be done off I-5 and local Medford roads.
The public may review the Record of Decision. Copies are available at the Medford Public Library, the Medford Planning Department and Public Works, the Rogue Valley Council of Governments office in Central Point and the ODOT office in White City. The Record of Decision, FEIS and DEIS are available online at the project Web site, www.smedfordinterchange.org.
Want to learn more about the South Medford Interchange project?
ODOT:
Gary Leaming, ODOT Project Information Specialist, can be reached at (541) 774-6388
Videos:
Two videos are available. The first gives an overview as well as a brief history of the project. The second video uses computer simulation to demonstrate how the proposed new interchange would work.
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