Construction on the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Oregon 42 Lookingglass Creek to I-5 improvement project continues to advance, bringing new safety upgrades for residents, businesses and daily commuters traveling through the Green District and Winston area.
As crews move deeper into the winter season, ODOT officials say motorists and pedestrians should begin to notice visible progress along the corridor — a stretch that has long been identified for safety improvements, congestion relief and better connectivity to Interstate 5.
Despite wetter weather, work zones remain active with lane shifts, temporary closures, and flaggers directing traffic during key construction periods. ODOT said the project remains on schedule as crews work on roadway reconstruction, pedestrian enhancements, drainage improvements and preparatory work for future retaining walls and signal updates.
“For Green district motorists and pedestrians, things are getting safer as construction work on the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Oregon 42 Lookingglass Creek to I-5 project is progressing into the winter season,” ODOT noted.
The agency emphasized that while winter conditions sometimes slow down certain operations, the project team continues to prioritize activities that can be completed efficiently in colder months, including underground pipe installation, foundation work, and utility relocation.
The Oregon 42 corridor is a primary connector for residents traveling between Winston, Green District and the I-5 interchange. The route sees heavy commuter traffic, freight movement and school transportation, creating ongoing safety challenges. ODOT’s long-term plan includes:
The combination of these upgrades is designed to reduce crashes, support local economic growth and create a more reliable route for emergency services.
Even while construction continues, residents are already seeing the first signs of improved infrastructure. Traffic-calming measures, new striping and temporary barriers have helped create safer separation between vehicles and pedestrians. Businesses located along the project route have also reported clearer communication from crews and fewer sudden closures.
ODOT project managers stressed that maintaining access for residents and businesses is a key priority throughout construction.
The winter months will focus heavily on subsurface work, including utility adjustments, stormwater channel improvements and prep for next year’s paving operations. Crews will also continue grading work along the shoulders, setting the stage for safer sidewalk paths and more consistent roadway widths.
Once weather improves in spring, the next major phase will include:
Motorists are encouraged to expect periodic delays, travel at reduced speeds in work zones and watch for construction crews. ODOT continues directing drivers to its TripCheck updates for the most accurate project-related travel information.
The agency also reminds travelers that work zone fines can double, especially when workers are present.
When complete, the Oregon 42 Lookingglass Creek to I-5 project will improve reliability, reduce crash risks and provide safer pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. The upgrades aim to support long-term growth in the Winston–Green corridor while ensuring smoother connections to Interstate 5.
ODOT officials say the work now underway represents years of planning, traffic analysis, community outreach and engineering design — all focused on creating a safer and more functional regional transportation network.
Originally reported by Andrew Griffen in News Review
