Millions of dollars to go toward I5 viaduct study

Medford, Ore. — Studies show one of Jackson County’s most important bridges for transportation on I5 isn’t built to withstand a major earthquake.

Now the Oregon Department of Transportation is planning to spend $4 million from the Oregon Transportation Commission to study the I5 viaduct that runs between the south and north Medford exits.

“It’s something that has to be done because at some point in time it’s going to become a bigger liability than it currently is,” Medford City Councilman Chris Corcoran said.

ODOT will look at several different options including renovating the viaduct, to rebuilding the stretch of freeway somewhere else.