The contractor reopened the closed stretch of Clackamas River Drive near the Highway 213 intersection on Monday, August 27. The roadway was closed for six weeks to realign, widen, and lower it to match the grade of the adjoining new roundabout. Since Clackamas River Drive reopened, problematic left turns that stop the flow of traffic on Highway 213 were permanently replaced by routes that loop underneath the highway.
The contractor installed a barrier on the Highway 213 center line overnight on August 26 to prevent left turns and straight movements across the highway at the northbound I-205 ramps and at the intersection with Clackamas River Drive and Prairie Schooner Way (formerly Washington Street).
Left turns and straight movements across the highway at these locations contribute to heavy traffic congestion and the risk of accidents. A divided highway that only allows right turns and through (north-south) travel will help reduce conflict points, dangerous vehicle cross weaving, and the wait time at the Highway 213 traffic signal.
Maps of the new routes that replace left turns and east-west travel across the highway are available on the project website: http://www.jughandleproject.com/detailsroutes.html.
Oregon City’s First Modern Roundabout
The closed stretch of Clackamas River Drive forms one of three approaches to the new roundabout. Once it opens, the roundabout will be fully operational for the first time. Visit the project website to watch a short informational video about use of the roundabout: http://www.jughandleproject.com/roundabouts.html
For more information about the Jughandle Project visit www.jughandleproject.com.
Tags: Clackamas River Drive reopened, Jughandle Project, roundabout