Drivers traveling through the Grants Pass area should prepare for overnight traffic disruptions beginning in early March as transportation crews carry out scheduled construction work along Interstate 5. The Oregon Department of Transportation has announced a temporary closure affecting southbound Exit 58, one of the primary access points connecting interstate traffic to northeast Grants Pass and surrounding rural areas.
Starting Monday, March 9, 2026, the southbound off-ramp at Exit 58 leading to NE Scoville Road will be closed nightly between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. The closure is expected to remain in effect through the morning of March 12, depending on construction progress and weather conditions. Daytime travel on the ramp will remain open, but motorists should expect increased traffic congestion during evening hours as detours redirect vehicles to alternate exits.
Transportation officials scheduled the work during overnight hours to reduce impacts on daytime commuters, commercial trucking operations, and local residents who rely on the interstate corridor for daily travel. Even with nighttime scheduling, Exit 58 serves as a significant access route for neighborhoods, industrial traffic, and travelers heading toward northeast portions of the city, making the closure notable for regional mobility.
The construction activity is part of ongoing infrastructure improvements designed to maintain roadway safety and ensure long-term reliability along the heavily traveled I-5 corridor. Crews will be working directly within the off-ramp area, requiring a full closure to protect both workers and drivers. Construction zones on interstate ramps present heightened safety risks due to reduced space and limited visibility, particularly during nighttime operations.
Detours will be clearly marked, guiding southbound motorists to nearby exits where they can safely reroute back toward NE Scoville Road and adjacent destinations. Drivers unfamiliar with the area are encouraged to plan their routes in advance, allow extra travel time, and remain alert for temporary signage and changing traffic patterns. Navigation applications may not immediately reflect temporary construction routing, making advance trip planning especially important for those traveling through Josephine County overnight.
Emergency vehicles will retain access through the closure area to ensure uninterrupted response capability for fire, medical, and law enforcement services. Local access for emergency operations remains a priority during all phases of the construction schedule.
Transportation officials are also reminding drivers that nighttime work zones often involve heavy equipment, lane shifts, reduced lighting, and workers operating near traffic. Motorists are urged to slow down, obey posted signs, and remain attentive while traveling near construction areas. Reduced speeds not only protect crews but also help prevent secondary crashes caused by sudden braking or unexpected merges near detour points.
Drivers seeking additional information about the project or detour routes may contact the Oregon Department of Transportation directly for updates. Travelers planning overnight trips through the Grants Pass area between March 9 and March 12 are encouraged to monitor traffic conditions and consider alternate routes to avoid delays during construction hours.