Phoenix, Ore. — If you’re planning to drive on Interstate 5 this weekend, you may want to get ready to hit the brakes on the freeway.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, construction on the Fern Valley Interchange project is set to start Sunday night sometime after 7 in the evening. Rain earlier this week initially delayed work.
A four-foot diameter storm water pipe will be put in under the highway near exit 24 in Phoenix.
During construction, I-5 will be narrowed to a single lane in each direction with speeds reduced to 50 miles-per-hour.
The delay is expected to last for 25-days until May 22nd.
ODOT officials are asking drivers to take alternate routes if at all possible, like Highway 99 or North Phoenix Road, especially during peak travel times.
If people don’t try to avoid the congestion on the freeway, analysts predict the backup could be as long as two-miles.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.