Phoenix, Ore. — Crews with the Oregon Department of Transportation, or ODOT, are closing down the southbound off-ramp at exit 24 into Phoenix this weekend, to start the next phase of the Fern Valley Interchange Project. From 7 PM Friday through 5 AM Monday, drivers will need to take Highway 99 to get into Phoenix.
“Once this intersection is paved in concrete and open, then hopefully next week when we have some good spring-like weather, we can get the interchange area stripped,” said Gary Leaming, a spokesperson for ODOT.
Leaming said the paving is critical part of the project, and once completed, cars will likely be able to drive on the interchange a few weeks after.
“Access to the Shops at Exit 24 remain, but only from Highway 99,” Leaming said. “They have to have the intersection done and open to traffic by 5 AM Monday morning.”
People who work at the Shops at Exit 24 said the work has affected their business slightly, however the work will be worth it when it’s completed.
“It’s progression, I think in the long run, it’ll be very good for the Phoenix area,” Shirley Johnson said, owner of Shirley’s Fashion Boutique.
The Fern Valley Interchange project is expected to be fully finished in September.
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