There are numerous locations along Interstate 5 in Douglas County with roadside hazards near the travel lanes. This project will improve safety along 67 miles of interstate by establishing or enlarging clear zones along the highway.
We will remove hazards in the clear zone area. Trees, slopes and other roadside hazards pose a safety risk to travelers whose vehicles depart the roadway. Slopes or other hazards we cannot remove may be “protected” behind concrete barrier, cable barrier or guardrail.
What is a clear zone? Clear zones are areas where trees and other roadside hazards have been removed. These areas help reduce the number and severity of roadway departure crashes. Clear zones also provide drivers more space to recover control of their vehicles after departing the roadway.
What is a roadway departure? Roadway departures occur when a vehicle leaves its lane and moves onto shoulders or medians or crosses into oncoming travel lanes. They can result in severe injury or loss of life if a vehicle strikes a fixed object. Roadway departures occur for various causes such as slick or icy road surfaces, drowsy or distracted driving, and attempts to avoid wildlife.