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Interchange fixes drive project to $50 million Oregon Department of Transportation This computer rendering shows how Medford's new south interchange could look. The structure would be built south of the interchange at Barnett Road to connect Interstate 5 either to Highland Drive or Ellendale Drive. By JILL BRISKEY Medford is one step closer to unsnarling traffic congestion at the south end of town, but neighbors fear the construction could make the roads more dangerous while destroying businesses. And many people, some who may have to move because of the project, said they had no idea the state and city are pushing to relocate the Barnett Road interchange to Highland Drive. "I just moved here, and here they're telling me I might have to move in a few years but nobody knows," said Kevin McDaniel, who lives at the Four Seasons Apartments on Highland Drive. At this point, the project is expected to cost roughly $50 million dollars. Oregon Department of Transportation officials said the apartment complex, along with other businesses and homes, could be bulldozed or lose property depending on the direction the project takes. Thursday, the Oregon Department of Transportation released an environmental impact statement, opening the door to public comment regarding the South Medford interchange for the next 45 days. The study highlights three options that would ease congestion along Barnett Road and improve southern access to Interstate 5. The long road to a shortcut The Oregon Department of Transportation is working to relocate the Interstate 5 South Medford interchange on Barnett Road, but any changes are years away. Following the public comment period on the impact study released Thursday, community response will be reviewed. Officials will then decide to relocate the interchange to either Highland Drive or Ellendale Drive. A study of that choice will begin and is expected back by June. After reviewing the findings, a final environmental impact study will take place. A completion date is slated in December 2002. Once final approval is given, land acquisition will begin. Construction is anticipated to take place in 2005. It will take two years to build the new interchange. Early construction costs are estimated at $36 million. Engineering, land acquisition and other factors are expected to cost roughly $14 million. The project will be paid for by the city of Medford and state and federal funds. The environmental study examines a "no-build option" in which minor changes would be made to the existing Barnett Road interchange. However, the no-build option would offer little relief and is not being seriously considered. The other suggestions include moving the interchange to Ellendale Drive or relocating to Highland Drive, the preferred alternative. Officials have slated a public meeting and an open house this month to discuss the project with residents. It's the last chance for people to talk before an option is chosen. ODOT prefers the Highland Drive option, which will have the least impact on existing businesses and homes and costs less. It's a choice that may hurt business at the Party Place on Barnett Road, according to owner Sally Simpson. She has been working with Medford city officials regarding the project and so far has no complaints. But she worries that construction - expected to last two years - will limit access to her shop. "If you're a little business and they block you off, you've had it," Simpson said. "It's going to run you out of business." ODOT project leader Frank Stevens said he hopes to shave down the list of people affected by the project after a selection is made. Although the environmental study is a milestone, Stevens said construction won't begin until at least 2005 and additional studies will take place before work begins. "Those are the best assumptions that could be made," Stevens said. "We will be going in to look at a greater depth of detail." If ODOT chooses the Highland alternative, it could affect the Highlander and Four Seasons apartments, as well as two homes, a Shell gas station, the Harrison Inn, Les Schwab and Party Place on Barnett Road. Right of way costs for those properties are estimated at $9,628,900. "Both (Ellendale and Highland) connect to Highway 99 at some point," Stevens said. "But (Highland) has the least impact." If the Ellendale option was selected, it would cost roughly $14,370,000 to acquire the necessary land. Those affected would include Coreen's Flowers and Gifts, School House Hair Flair, Multinet Info Systems, the Rogue Valley Manor business office, Quail Ridge retirement community, Woodcreek Apartments, Quail Point Golf Course, Les Schwab, Party Place and two medical offices. The options and environmental study are the result of a two-year review of transportation needs in the Rogue Valley up until 2030. Medford resident Mike Montero co-chairs the Citizen Advisory Committee, which is made up of residents, business owners and representatives of various groups affected by the project. During many public meetings and open houses, the group gathered public input, reviewed project information and aided in the plan's formation. The study has been sent to neighbors and businesses who would be impacted by the project, and two informational videos are available to the public. However, Montero urges community members to come to the open house or public meeting this month. "That's really one of the opportunities that folks have to come and make their feelings known," he said. "Folks that have observations, recommendations or suggestions, they are highly valued by the department of transportation." Some neighbors fear that either option would create an interchange that would adversely affect Bear Creek Park. Other concerns include a drop in property value, noise concerns or the resulting traffic impact on nearby, residential streets. Jennifer Spence, who lives on Highland Drive, worries that construction could make the road a dangerous place for her dog, Hoover, during their daily walks to the dog park. "Where are we suppose to go if they rip out the sidewalks and there's all that noise going on?" Spence asked. "It's not fair for Hoover, or other dogs that use the park." Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.