Anna Henson, ODOT Area 3 Manager for the Mid-Willamette Valley, will provide an overview of the Ehlen Road Interchange project and explain the innovative diverging diamond interchange (DDI) design coming to Exit 278 on Interstate 5. This critical improvement aims to address growing traffic and safety concerns in the Aurora-Donald area and north Marion County communities.
Originally built in the 1960s, the Ehlen Road Interchange is no longer sufficient to handle the increasing volume of business, trucking, and interstate travel in the region. The first phase of improvements addressed immediate concerns by extending and widening the northbound off-ramp, installing a sound wall for the nearby RV park, and relocating the Ehlen and Bents roads intersection farther from the interstate while adding a traffic signal.
Anna will be joined by Ed Chamberland, ODOT design consultant and senior project manager at David Evans and Associates, who will share insights from his technical leadership on the project. Together, they’ll explain how Oregon’s second DDI—proven successful in Medford—will improve traffic flow and safety while accommodating bicyclists and pedestrians, all within a compact footprint that respects surrounding businesses and residences.
Mindy McCartt, ODOT Public Information Officer for Region 2, will also attend to support the presentation and help answer any additional questions.
The Rotary Club of Wilsonville meets weekly Thursdays at noon to carry out its purpose of providing service and fellowship to members and the Wilsonville community. Guests are welcome. Lunch is available off the menu; please arrive and order by 11:45 a.m. if you are ordering lunch. For more information, email president@wilsonvillerotary.com.
