PACIFIC NORTHWEST EDITION
A Supplement to:
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February 9 2025 Vol. IX • No. 3
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.” Your Pacific Northwest Connection – Sharon Swanson – 1-760-518-4336 – sswanson@cegltd.com
Construction Prep for 1-5 Rose Quarter Project Under Way By Lori Tobias CEG CORRESPONDENT
Construction on Oregon’s Interstate 5 Rose Quarter Project is set to begin this summer on what could ultimately be a $1.5-$1.9 billion effort to remedy the worst bottleneck in the state. The project includes Oregon’s first highway cover, new roadway crossings over I-5, a car-free bridge, street improvements for “walking, biking and rolling,” new ramp-to-ramp connections, a ramp relocation and wider shoulders. The primary contractor is Hamilton/Sundt Joint Venture (HSJV) in association with Raimore Construction The project was given the greenlight after the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) allocated $250 million to the project in December. Combined with $450 million awarded from the federal government in March and other grants — which brought available funding to $850 million — that was sufficient to begin work on significant components of the 1.8-mi. stretch of highway. “For the 2025 construction start, we are focused on project elements that are shovel-ready and can get us to construction quickly, and with a focus on elements that maximize opportunities for disadvantaged business enterprises and a diverse workforce,” said Megan Channell, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Rose Quarter project director. “The 2025 construction package will include stormwater improvements on the north side of the project and then bridge preservation components on the south end of the project. “What I think is exciting about these is we’re leveraging the projects with what we call the mini CMGC — mini construction management general contractor — approach. That means that our contractor is bringing on disadvantaged business enterprises to serve in a mini prime capacity for elements of this work so that they can be mentored and provided technical assistance along the way. So, that when they are done with this particular package on the Rose Quarter, they’ll be better suited to have additional skill sets and capacity and indigenous acumen for success, not only in future business
An aerial view of the area of Interstate 5 that the Rose Quarter Project will address.
with ODOT, but future business in the region and the state.” Efforts to relieve traffic congestion and safety issues in the Rose Quarter, a site where three major interstates converge, have been ongoing since 2017 when the Oregon State Legislature directed ODOT to address congestion in the area. “This 1.8-mile stretch of highway is the only two-lane section of I-5 in a major urban area between Canada and Mexico,” according to the ODOT website. “It has the highsee ROSE page 8
A rendering of what the Rose Quarter Project will look like upon completion.