I-5 off-ramp to Franklin Boulevard to close for two years

From ODOT-

Starting the week of Oct. 3, we will close the I-5 northbound off-ramp to Franklin Boulevard at exit 192 for up to two years to allow construction of the new northbound I-5 Willamette River Bridge.

The entrance ramp from eastbound Franklin Boulevard to southbound I 5 will remain open. Local access will also remain open at the intersection of Riverview Street and westbound Franklin Boulevard.

The detour route shown in the map below is the same one used during previous short-term closures of the Franklin Boulevard exit ramp. Those of you traveling northbound on I-5 to Franklin Boulevard will detour using exit 191 to Glenwood Boulevard. After exiting, turn right on Glenwood Boulevard to Franklin Boulevard. The detour route will be well-marked.

We have begun notifying the public and key stakeholder organizations such as freight companies, impacted businesses, schools and emergency service responders. We are also working closely with Lane County and the cities of Springfield and Eugene to ensure that they are prepared for this closure.

In addition, we received feedback from businesses on Franklin Boulevard during the three month closure last year. Based on that feedback we developed a more robust signage plan for the two-year closure.

The two-year closure will allow us to rebuild the off-ramp and raise it more than 5 feet to align with the future northbound bridge. By closing the exit, conflicts between construction crews and motorists are eliminated, not just reduced. Construction zone safety is a top priority of ODOT for these reasons:

•  During the past decade in Oregon, there has been an average of 475 work zone related crashes per year resulting in an average of 18 work zone serious injury crashes and 8 fatal crashes.


• Nationally, the numbers are even more staggering with an average of 740 work zone fatalities in the past three years.


• The majority of people injured or killed in work zone crashes are drivers, passengers or pedestrians.


• We also know road construction is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. The risk of death is seven times higher for road workers than for an average worker.

In addition to following this blog, you can find mobility updates on Twitter: @OregonDOT or on www.Tripcheck.com and www.keepusmoving.info.

We know that this is a significant and lengthy closure and truly appreciate your patience!