Work begins on I-5 Kuebler Interchange Project

January 9, 2015                                                   For more information: Lou Torres (503)986-2880
1-5-R2                                                          email at: mailto:louis.c.torres@odot.state.or.us  
                                                         
Work begins on I-5 Kuebler Interchange Project
Clearing and grubbing to begin next week around interchange

SALEM A contractor working for the Oregon Department of Transportation will begin work on the I-5 Kuebler Interchange Project starting the week of January 12. The work includes grubbing and clearing of vegetation adjacent to the southbound I-5 off ramp, north of the interchange within the loop ramp and off of Kuebler Blvd. by the southbound I-5 on ramp. The work should continue for several weeks.
While there will be no lane closures or delays on the ramps or I-5, motorists should notice the increased activity. Also, the contractor may need to close the shoulder on the southbound I-5 off ramp to access the adjacent property. Motorists should be aware of intermittent flagging. In addition, the contractor will use Fairview Industrial Drive SE in Salem near where it crosses under I-5. Motorists using Fairview Industrial Drive should drive with caution through that area.
The clearing of trees and other vegetation is the first visible work on the I-5 Kuebler Interchange Project. The project is expected to go to bid in the spring with major construction beginning shortly after.
The I-5 Kuebler Interchange Project will address the increasing congestion at the interchange by modifying the existing southbound off ramp. The new ramp will meet modern standards and contain excess capacity. The project will also add a westbound to southbound loop ramp and modify an eastbound to southbound ramp, which will decrease the conflicts at Kuebler that have caused back-ups on I-5 southbound.
Most of the funding for the project comes from the Jobs and Transportation Act (JTA), approved by the Oregon Legislature. The project is expected to be completed in fall of 2016.

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