Medford drivers can soon expect to navigate smoother streets and safer crossings at the notorious "Big X" intersection, as the ambitious renovation project is reportedly on the brink of completion. The makeover, a response to the area's booming traffic demand due to population growth and commercial expansion, targets the confluence of Oregon 62, Oregon 99, and Oregon 238 — a critical nexus that supports over 38,000 vehicles each bustling day.
According to a bulletin on the Oregon Department of Transportation, the "Big X" upgrades aim to not only refresh the road surfaces but also to preserve existing bridges, thereby ensuring better safety for those who drive, bike, or walk these routes. Elijah Oberlander, interim area manager for ODOT in the Rogue Valley, highlighted the drive for efficiency, saying, "Our contractor and crews have worked efficiently to complete this project, which will extend the service life of the pavement and bridges while also enhancing safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians."
The scope of this infrastructure facelift stretches across key segments of the roads: OR 62 between OR 99 and Poplar Drive, OR 99 between Ohio Street and Table Rock Road, and OR 238 between OR 99 and North Ross Lane. Reflecting two decades of relentless wear and tear since its last major update in 2000, the "Big X" was due for comprehensive attention.
As the year-end holidays approach, Medford’s motorists can anticipate to more easily through the "Big X." This comes as a relief to many who have witnessed the area's transformation over the years — from a lesser-travelled crossroads to a bustling vehicular hub. The project seeks to proactively confront challenges posed by Medford's progressive transformation, making a decisive turn towards roadways primed for future demands.
