July 31, 2019 3:50 a.m.
Interstate Five motorists should expect morning delays the rest of the week as fire crews continue to cut hazard trees along the Milepost 97 Fire area south of Canyonville.
Dan Latham of the Oregon Department of Transportation said rolling slowdowns will be used in both directions from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. between mileposts 88 and 101. Latham said flaggers will hold southbound motorists entering the freeway for up to 20 minutes at the Riddle Road Exit 101, North Canyonville Exit 99 and Canyonville Exit 98. Northbound motorists will be held at the Azalea Exit 88.
Latham said similar slowdowns were used to cut several large hazard trees Tuesday morning, with traffic delays averaging 10 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, southbound Interstate Five is limited to a single lane from milepost 97-93 south of Canyonville due to the fire. Motorists should expect congestion and delays, as well as low visibility due to the smoke. Both off-ramps at Canyon Creek Exit 95 remain closed.
ODOT District Manager Darrin Neavoll said on weekday mornings and afternoons, they are recommending drivers give themselves an extra 15-20 minutes in travel time through the fire area. Neavoll said some delays could be longer.