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Project Profile: I-5 Fern Valley Interchange

I-5 Fern Valley Interchange

Source: Oregon DOT

Location

Phoenix, Oregon

Project Sponsor / Borrower

Oregon DOT

Program Areas

Value Capture

Value Capture Techniques Development Impact Fees / Mobility Fees
Mode

Highway

Description

The I-5 Fern Valley Interchange is located 24 miles north of the California border on the northern edge of the city of Phoenix. The interchange experienced congestion throughout the day, but especially during the morning and evening commutes. The capacity of the interchange and safety conditions had deteriorated due to development to the east of I-5, as well as the surrounding Rogue Valley, including the City of Medford to the north.

The project replaced the existing I-5 interchange with Fern Valley Road with a diverging diamond interchange, the first of its kind in the state. The project reduced congestion and improved operational conditions at the interchange, on Fern Valley Road within the City of Phoenix Urban Growth Boundary, and on OR 99, a road running parallel to I-5 passing through downtown Phoenix. The interchange project replaced two bridges, including the narrow, two-lane I-5 overpass, with a four-lane structure that includes bike lanes and sidewalks. After the completion of the project, new connections between the interchange and city streets result in the interchange serving North Phoenix Road.

Funding sources for the project included a commitment of $6.8 million from the City of Phoenix generated by an interchange development charge (IDC) levied on all new development and redevelopment within the city, unless exempted. The purpose of the IDC is to generate revenue to pay for capital transportation improvements in the city and to share an equitable amount of that cost with development projects that depend on or increase demand on the city's transportation infrastructure. The IDC is separate from and in addition to transportation system development charges previously authorized by the city.

Cost

$71.8 million (including design, right-of-way, utility relocation, and construction)

Funding Sources

Federal Funding - $19 million

State Funding

City of Phoenix (Interchange Development Charge) - $6.8 million

Project Delivery / Contract Method

Design-bid-build

Private Partner

None

Project Advisors / Consultants

Hamilton Construction Company - General Contractor

URS Corporation (now AECOM) - Design Engineer

Lenders

Not applicable

Duration / Status

Construction began in February 2015 and was complete in September 2016.

Financial Status/Financial Performance

Closed

Innovations
  • The Fern Valley Interchange features Oregon's first Diverging Diamond design, which reduced ODOT's right of way needs for construction. The design reduced the project's impact on surrounding businesses and provides better traffic capacity and safety for motorists.
Related Links / Articles

ODOT Moving Ahead Newsletter - June 2016

Pacific Builder and Engineer Article - August 2016

I-5 Fern Valley Interchange Financing Case Study (2010, p.57)

Contacts

Arthur Anderson
Area Manager
Oregon Department of Transportation
Tel: (541) 774-6353
arthur.h.anderson@odot.state.or.us

Gary Leaming
Project Information Specialist
Oregon Department of Transportation
Tel: (541) 774-6388
gary.w.leaming@odot.state.or.us

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