City of Medford Partners with ODOT for Southside Traffic Project

In a move to address the growing traffic congestion issues near the I5 Exit 27 interchange, the Medford City Council recently gave its approval for an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). This agreement paves the way for the installation of dual right-turn lanes at the busy Highland Drive and Barnett Road intersection.

The decision to implement dual right-turn lanes at this junction comes in response to the areas ongoing growth, which has consistently surpassed the state’s mandated mobility targets. The South Medford Interchange and its surrounding intersections have been dealing with escalating levels of congestion, necessitating a solution to help maintain safety and traffic flow.

A recent Alternative Mobility Target (AMT) Study, utilizing traffic projections for the year 2045, underscored the urgency of this project. It revealed the need to prevent severe congestion and the spillback of vehicles from the South Medford Interchange onto the mainline of I-5. The study anticipates that the dual right-turn lanes will not only enhance safety, but also alleviate queuing at the intersection, benefiting commuters.

John Vial, the Public Works Director, emphasized the long-standing necessity of this project, stating, “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. 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 comprises a two-part agreement. The City will allocate $2,500,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds to ODOT to facilitate the repaving of sections of Highway 62 and Highway 238 within Medford city limits. In return, ODOT has committed to providing $2,500,000 in state funds to support the implementation of the Highland Drive to Barnett Road dual right-turn lane project, as recommended by the Alternative Mobility Targets study.

While construction for this project is tentatively scheduled for 2026, this step is seen as a crucial stride towards improving traffic flow and ensuring the safety of commuters in the growing area.