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Project-Details







I-84: La Grande-Baker City Sign Upgrades

Construction Phase

Region 5: Eastern Oregon (Baker City, La Grande, Baker, Union)


We are upgrading road & weather sensors and installing variable speed limit (VSL) signs and variable message signs to better manage speed limits, improve driver communication with real-time data and increase safety for the traveling public and freight industry.


Impacts

Traffic Impact

For the week of Oct. 7:
  • Drilling and concrete work on I-84 at mileposts:
    • 263.56 eastbound (near Gekeler Lane in La Grande).
    • 279.49 westbound (approximately one-half mile east of Exit 278).
    • 290.90 eastbound and westbound (approximately 4 miles east of North Powder).
    • 328.35 westbound (approximately 1.5 miles east of Exit 327 to Durkee).
  • Expect possible shoulder, fast lane and/or slow lane closures near these locations.​
  • Reduced speeds through the work zones.

Schedule

Crews are in the process of finishing work and cleaning up various sites for the winter. Some intermittent work can be expected into early November.
Crews are expected to work Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This project is expected to be completed in August 2025.

Details

About

Enlarged project map.A Variable Speed Limit (VSL) System was installed in 2016 along a 30-mile segment of I-84 in the Baker Valley, from milepost 277 to 306.

This project will enhance the existing VSL system by adding two new VSL signs and installing additional weather and pavement sensors, and adding Variable Message Signs to inform motorists of chain-up conditions.

Variable speed limit (VSL) signs are electronic versions of black-on-white speed limit signs. VSLs are regulatory and enforceable. Pavement sensors automatically adjust VSL signs to best suit conditions on the highway.

In Baker Valley, the winter pavement conditions vary and are unpredictable. Motorists can be driving on dry pavement then suddenly hit an icy patch. The intent of the VSL is to slow traffic in these trouble areas. When conditions improve, speed limits will automatically be raised.

Location

I-84 |

​Mileposts 303.32, north end of Baker City, to 263.56, south end of La Grande.

Cost and Funding

​The project is estimated to cost $5.8 million.

Additional Information

​Images of weather and pavement sensors.



Contacts & Media

Image of Variable Speed Limit (VSL) sign.

Project Contact

Region 5 Community Affairs Specialist
Vicki L Moles
Email
vicki.l.moles@odot.oregon.gov
Phone
541-620-4527

Last Updated

10/18/2024 9:52 AM

Project Number

21878