MEDFORD, Ore. (Dec 4, 2025) — A long-running construction effort to repave, strengthen and modernize one of northwest Medford’s busiest intersections is wrapping up, with transportation officials expecting the work to be substantially complete ahead of the region’s holiday travel rush.
The renovation — known locally as the “Big X” project — focuses on the complex junction where Oregon 62, Oregon 99 and Oregon 238 converge. The work upgrades worn road surfaces, preserves aging bridge structures and adds new safety features for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
“Our contractor and crews have worked efficiently to complete this project, which will extend the service life of the pavement and bridges while also enhancing safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians,” said Elijah Oberlander, interim area manager for ODOT in the Rogue Valley.
The project corridor includes OR 62 between OR 99 and Poplar Drive, OR 99 between Ohio Street and Table Rock Road, and OR 238 between OR 99 and North Ross Lane. It marks the first major overhaul of the intersection since it opened in 2000. In the decades since, the area has seen rapid population growth and commercial expansion, resulting in more than 38,000 vehicles passing through the “Big X” each day.
Project improvements
• New pavement and striping: Crews removed cracked and rutted roadway and laid new asphalt. Updated striping patterns are designed to be easier to navigate and increase buffer space between vehicle and bicycle lanes.
• Bridge rehabilitation: Workers improved major bridge decks — including OR 62 over Bear Creek, Interstate 5 and Biddle Road, and OR 238 over the CORP railroad tracks — and upgraded drainage systems before repaving.
• Lane additions: An added eastbound travel lane from OR 238 to OR 62 now creates three lanes crossing OR 99 instead of two, allowing more vehicles to move through each signal cycle.
• Traffic signal upgrades: A new camera- and radar-based signal system adjusts timing based on traffic volume. Without traditional pavement-embedded sensor loops, future roadway repairs are expected to be less disruptive and costly.
• Multi-use path: A narrow sidewalk along OR 62 has been replaced with a wider multi-use path designed to improve safety and shift westbound bicycle traffic out of the roadway.
• ADA-compliant curb ramps: Workers installed 88 curb ramps across the project area to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and improve accessibility.
Prime contractor Knife River Materials began construction in August 2024. While major work is coming to a close, crews will continue minor finishing tasks in the coming weeks, weather permitting. Those final activities will occur at night to limit impacts on travelers.
The $18 million project was funded through House Bill 2017 with a combination of state and federal dollars. Transportation officials noted that these funds are dedicated to specific capital projects and cannot be redirected to routine maintenance or day-to-day operations.
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