July 3, 2023 3:30 a.m.

The Oregon Department of Transportation will make several changes to an upcoming highway project, based on public comments received in an open house last November.

The Oregon 42: Lookingglass Creek to Interstate 5 project will repave a 4.5-mile section of highway through Winston and Green, install a traffic signal at Rolling Hills Road and make several other safety improvements.

Dan Latham from ODOT said the original project design called for restricting left turns from westbound Oregon 42 onto Winery Lane, but local business owners pointed out that large trucks would not be able to navigate the sharp turn from the other direction. Latham said as a result, ODOT will continue to allow turns at this location.

The cost savings of this change will help ODOT address other concerns raised at the open house, such as the risk of rear-end and nighttime crashes.

ODOT will add right-turn lanes from westbound Oregon 42 traffic at Landers Avenue and Rolling Hills Road. These turn lanes will allow highway motorists to exit the travel lanes before turning, reducing the risk of rear-end crashes.

Latham said the new Oregon 42 traffic signal at Rolling Hills Road will include streetlights. In response to public comments, ODOT will also add streetlights at Landers Avenue and Jackie Avenue.

Approximately $17.8 million has been allocated for this project, which is scheduled to bid in October 2024. Most of the funding will go toward paving and bridge repairs. About 13 percent of the projected funds will be used for the new traffic signal and other safety improvements.

Latham said as part of this project, ODOT will also place barrier and traffic separators along Oregon 42 between Rolling Hills Road and Carnes Road. U-turn accommodations will be provided at both intersections. The barrier will help prevent crashes involving turn movements and lane departures. Latham said the U-turn accommodations will help local residents navigate around the barrier.

Latham said although many individuals expressed concerns about the barrier and its impact on the local community, this is a proven safety measure that will help prevent crashes and save lives. Installing barrier is consistent with the Oregon 42 Expressway Management Plan.

More information along with ODOT reaction to some comments from the public is linked at: www.winston42.com