PENDLETON, Oregon (CBS2) — Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) says construction crews will begin work on Interstate 84 westbound from 2 miles east of Exit 216 to Meacham starting July 18.
Existing asphalt along this section of the highway is between 11 and 20 years old. The pavement is worn, and cracks are forming, allowing water into the pavement. The pavement preservation project includes paving, crack sealing and guardrail upgrades.
Paving operations begin around 7 p.m. Crews work Sundays through Fridays from approximately 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. until paving is complete.
Traffic will be restricted to one lane from Meacham, at milepost 238, to the bottom of Cabbage Hill, around milepost 218. The left lane will be closed while crews pave this 20-mile stretch of I-84. This lane closure affects westbound traffic only. Paving is expected to take two to three weeks, ending around Aug. 1.
Beginning the week of July 24, crews will start work on guardrails and crack sealing the pavement. Travelers can expect shoulder closures in both lanes, westbound only. There will be two separate work zones to accommodate these tasks. Crews will work during the day. Guardrail upgrades and crack seal operations are expected to continue through August.
Motorists are advised to slow down and be prepared for single-lane travel in this area.
During construction, drivers may experience work zones with minimal construction activities. Merging traffic along a downhill grade like Cabbage Hill, with its sharp curves and steep drop-offs, is extremely dangerous.
The best way to keep travelers and workers safe is to slow down and merge near the top of the hill. Then, maintain reduced speeds through the work zone.
This project is expected to be completed around mid-September.
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