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Project-Details







I-84: Exit 216 Eastbound Off-ramp

Construction Phase

Region 5: Eastern Oregon (Pendleton, Umatilla)


​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We are installing various traffic management devices to improve safety and traffic control in the event of I-84 closures in the Pendleton area and points east.


Aerial view of work at Exit 216 on I-84.

Impacts

Traffic Impact

I-84: ​Travelers can expect shoulder and lane closures. Speed reduced to 55 mph between mileposts 207 and 218 until further notice.​

Meetings and Events

We held an in-person open house Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at the Wildhorse Resort and Casino in Pendleton.​

Schedule

For the week of Sept. 16:

The contractor is planning to install the catwalks for the Variable Message Sign truss bridge at milepost 214 starting Monday. This work will require a fast lane closure for one side and a shoulder closure for the other.

The contractor should be done installing the sign structures either this week or by early next. The electrician will continue to hook up the signs in preparation for final inspection that is currently scheduled for the end of the month. This work will be done under shoulder closures with minimal traffic delays during the day.

The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of August 2024.

Details

About

Enlarged project map.​The purpose of this project is to improve employee safety and traffic circulation in the event of I-84 closures in the Pendleton area, or points east, due to inclement weather or emergencies. Existing signage and closure gates are inadequate.

Project elements include installation of messaging signs and traffic control gates.

Location

I-84 |

​Mileposts 210.30 to 216.10.

OR 11 | milepost 5.90

Cost and Funding

​This project is estimated to cost $7.1 million.

Contractor

​Mike Becker Contractors

What Problem Will This Improve?

​Employee and public safety is the main priority for this project. Other outcomes include more efficient interstate closures and openings, better traffic circulation in the area, and reduced congestion during closures.

The I-84 Exit 216 is a common location for freeway closure events not only due to local conditions, but also in response to closures further east since this is the last exit before the freeway becomes more remote and treacherous. During harsh winters, the interstate can be closed numerous times for extended periods.

When the interstate closes, ODOT employees are required to walk among traffic on the freeway to place cones and speak with drivers. Low light and low visibility make them vulnerable to traffic. Traffic often approaches the closure at the default freeway speeds between 55-70 mph as closures are applied. ODOT employees also position themselves at the top of the exit off-ramp to direct traffic to the truck stop to the north or a waiting area on Tokti Road to the south. Unfortunately, once a closure is in place the area quickly becomes overcrowded and roadside ODOT crews do not have the ability to effectively direct traffic to available parking.

Additional Information

​Aerial view of work at Exit 216 on I-84 east of Pendleton.



Contacts & Media

Image of semi trucks lined up at Exit 216 east of Pendleton.

Project Contact

Region 5 Community Affairs Specialist
Vicki L Moles
Email
vicki.l.moles@odot.oregon.gov
Phone
541-620-4527

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Last Updated

9/16/2024 1:56 PM

Project Number

21649