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Welcome to Region 5
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Traffic signal upgrades will improve safety at intersections
The Oregon Department of Transportation is upgrading numerous existing traffic signals with the latest version of Flashing Yellow Arrow signal head in Stanfield, Hermiston, Pendleton, Ontario and Nyssa. The new signal heads will use a flashing yellow arrow to notify left-turning motorists that they must yield to oncoming traffic before turning. The signal heads being replaced are older versions that have a yellow and green arrow for left turns, but use a circular green light to indicate that those turning left must yield. Similar traffic signal upgrades are happening across the nation.
The traffic signals at the following eastern Oregon intersections are being upgraded:
STANFIELD - Upgrades expected Nov. 22 - 24
U.S. 395 @ Coe Ave.
PENDLETON - Upgrades expected during week of Nov. 24
U.S. 395 (Southgate) @ Perkins
U.S. 30 (Westgate) @ Cold Springs Hwy.
HERMISTON - Upgrades expected during week of Dec. 1
First Street (U.S. 395) @ Gladys Avenue
First Street (U.S. 395) @ Main Street
SW 11th Street (Hermiston Hwy.) @ Highland Avenue
Elm Avenue (Hermiston Hwy.) @ First Street (U.S. 395)
ONTARIO-Upgrades expected to start the week of Nov. 24
Idaho Avenue @ Goodfellow Road
Idaho Avenue @ I-84 westbound ramp
Idaho Avenue @ I-84 eastbound ramp
Idaho Avenue @ East Fourth Street
Idaho Avenue @ East Second Street
Idaho Avenue @ West Second Street
NYSSA-Upgrade expected during week of Nov. 24
Thunderegg Blvd./Main Street @ Adrian Blvd.
"The new signal heads are pretty straight forward," said Don Fine of ODOT's Region 5 Traffic Section. "The circular red, yellow and green lights are for traffic moving through the intersection and the new signal has the left turn arrows that are for left turning traffic only. The new flashing yellow arrow means that it's legal to turn left, but you have to yield to oncoming traffic first."
Prior to switching on the flashing yellow arrow portion of the signals, the new installations require final inspections by ODOT's Traffic Signal Unit. This will be performed once all the signals are installed.
"There will be a short period of two to three weeks when the flashing yellow arrow portion of the signal will not be activated," said Don Fine of ODOT's Region 5 Traffic Section. During this time the green arrow will still indicate when it's safe for traffic to turn. "After all of the new signals receive their final check we will activate the new flashing yellow arrow portion of the signal."
The new signals are part of a nationwide program to improve intersection safety. ODOT has been evaluating the new signals over the past few years with positive results.
"The new flashing yellow arrows will clarify for left-turners when they must yield and are designed to make intersections safer and more efficient," said Fine.
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Ontario I-84 bridge project completed
ONTARIO, Ore. - A contractor for the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Idaho Transportation Department has completed work to replace one bridge and repair three others on Interstate 84 in the Ontario area. Work began in the spring of 2007. All lanes on the I-84 bridge over the Snake River reopened Sept. 19 following five months of bridge repair work.
Holm II, a contractor for ODOT and ITD, may close single lanes on eastbound I-84 at Doman Road and in both directions over the Snake River in November for final clean-up work. No traffic delays are anticipated.
ODOT is working with the Idaho Transportation Department to fund the bridge work. ITD is funding half the cost to repair the I-84 Snake River bridges. The balance of the bridge repair and replacement work is funded by the Oregon Transportation Investment Act. The Oregon Bridge Delivery Partners is helping ODOT to manage the design and construction of improvements to more than 300 state highway bridges funded by the OTIA program.
(November 21, 2008)
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Winter truck parking near Exit 216 during I-84 eastbound closures
During winter freeway closures between Pendleton and La Grande, the Oregon Department of Transportation will be directing eastbound trucks to park along the right shoulder of Interstate 84 near the Exit 216 Interchange. The Exit 216 Interchange is where Oregon Highway 331 crosses over the freeway, adjacent to the Arrowhead Truck Stop and Wildhorse Resort and Casino. It is the last freeway exit before eastbound traffic heads up Cabbage Hill towards La Grande.
"When the eastbound lanes of the freeway are closed we block traffic at Exit 216," said ODOT Pendleton Maintenance Manager Robin Berheim. "Vehicles will still be able to exit the freeway, but for trucks that plan to wait for the route to open, we will direct them to park on the right shoulder."
During road closures variable message signs along the freeway will be used to instruct truck drivers where to park.
"ODOT crews will do everything they can to keep the roads open and safe during winter storms, but there will be closures at times and there isn't much room for trucks to park once they get off the exit," said Berheim. Parking at the Arrowhead Truck stop is also limited due to remolding work and construction activities.
(November 20, 2008)
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Weatherby and Deadman's Pass Rest Areas Closed for Remodel Work
BAKER CITY, Ore. - The Weatherby Safety Rest Area located along Interstate 84 between Baker City and Ontario was closed this week for remodeling. The rest area is located near I-84 mile point 336, approximately 32 miles south east of Baker City and will remain closed until early January. Motorists are advised to use facilities in Baker City, Farewell Bend or Ontario.
The Deadman's Pass Rest Area located at mile point 229, 19 miles east of Pendleton has also been closed since last month for remodel work and is expected to open by the end of December.
The remodel work at both facilities includes replacing fixtures and upgrading the interior. Exterior improvements will also be made at the Deadman's Pass Rest Area. Over the past few years the Oregon Department of Transportation has been remodeling numerous safety rest areas along the I-84 corridor, most of which were constructed in the 1970's.
"So far, we have constructed improvements at three other rest areas along the interstate here in eastern Oregon and have heard positive comments from motorists," said ODOT Facilities Manager Brett Timm.
Safety rest stops that remain open to the public along the I-84 corridor in eastern Oregon include the Ontario Rest Area (mile point 378), the Baker Valley Rest Area (mile point 295), the Charles Reynolds Rest Area near La Grande (mile point 268), the Stanfield Rest Area (mile point 187) and the Boardman Rest Area (mile point 160). These sites, along with the communities located along the interstate provide travelers numerous opportunities to take a break.
"We understand these temporary closures will be an inconvenience and ask travelers to plan ahead and be patient," Timm said. "Safety is our primary concern and we will get the work completed and open the rest areas as soon as possible."
(November 19, 2008)
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Tripcheck 
A one-stop shop for information on traveling in Oregon, with the latest conditions via road cameras, continuous winter travel updates, year-round highway construction details, and other valuable tips to get you to and from your favorite places in Oregon via air, bus, rail, or ride share.
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