Completion may still be two years away, but work is well under way on the Oregon Department of Transportation's (ODOT) plan to build a new interchange to improve safety and mobility around Newberg and Dundee in Oregon, according to newberggraphic.com.
ODOT contractor Wildish Construction Co. is working on the second phase to improve the interchange where Pacific Highway meets Oregon Highway 219 via the Newberg-Dundee bypass.
In 2025, the project's Phase 2A — expected to be completed in 2027 for approximately $55.87 million — continued as winter approached newberggraphic.com reported.
Workers were preparing to add eastbound exit and westbound entrance ramps; adding the bridge carrying the eastbound ramp over OR 219; removing the old highway alignment; realigning Wynooski Street where it meets OR 219 and Wilsonville Road; creating a four-way signaled intersection; and widening OR 219 to add an additional travel lane, sidewalk, drainage and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps.
Funding for the project comes from a 2020 Oregon Legislature bill that granted it $22 million, primarily for design work, and a 2021 omnibus bill for another $32 million toward construction, according to newberggraphic.com.
The entire bypass will be approximately 11 mi. long and stretch from the base of Rex Hill southwest to the intersection of highways 99W and 18, also known as McDougal's Corner.
A Phase 2b is 50 percent designed but not yet funded, newberggraphic.com reported.
It will include eight bridges to cross Fernwood Road as well as creeks and other roads; intersection improvements at the bypass' connection with Highway 99W; improvements to Veritas Lane and Corral Creek Road for safety and access to Highway 99W; pedestrian connections at Chehalem Glenn Golf Course in coordination with the Chehalem Park and Recreation District; and erecting sound walls to help reduce noise levels at locations identified in the environmental impact statement and confirmed during the design phase.
Phase 1 of the Newberg-Dundee Bypass opened to traffic on Jan. 6, 2018. The 4-mi. bypass extends from OR 219 to OR 99W south of Dundee, with one travel lane in each direction.
