Published on November 07, 2023
City Council recently approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to install dual right-turn lanes at the Highland Drive and Barnett Road intersection.
This installation will help reduce traffic congestion and maintain safety as the City continues to experience growth that is exceeding state mandated mobility targets (levels of congestion) at the South Medford Interchange and surrounding intersections.
A recent Alternative Mobility Target (AMT) Study utilizing 2045 traffic projections identified the need for this project to help travelers avoid severe congestion and vehicles spilling back from the South Medford Interchange onto the mainline of 1-5 on a continual basis. According to the study, this project will help maintain safety on I-5 and mitigate queuing at the intersection.
“Constructing dual right-turn lanes from Highland Drive to Barnett Road has been needed for several years to alleviate congestion and improve safety at the South Medford Interchange," said Public Works Director, John Vial. “Completing this project is a clear goal of the City Council and we are grateful that ODOT is partnering with us to complete this essential project.”
This project is a two-part agreement that requires the City to transfer $2,500,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds to ODOT to complete repaving of portions of Highway 62 and Highway 238 within Medford city limits. In turn, ODOT is committing to provide $2,500,000 of state funds towards the Highland Dr. to Barnett Rd. dual right lane turn project required by the Alternative Mobility Targets study.
Construction for the project is tentatively scheduled for 2026.