I-5 Fern Valley Interchange

Close

The I-5 Fern Valley Interchange is located 24 miles north of the California border on the northern edge of the city of Phoenix. The interchange experienced congestion throughout the day, but especially during the morning and evening commutes. The capacity of the interchange and safety conditions had deteriorated due to development to the east of I-5, as well as the surrounding Rogue Valley, including the City of Medford to the north. The project replaced the existing I-5 interchange with Fern Valley Road with a diverging diamond interchange, the first of its kind in the state. The project reduced congestion and improved operational conditions at the interchange, on Fern Valley Road within the City of Phoenix Urban Growth Boundary, and on OR 99, a road running parallel to I-5 passing through downtown Phoenix. The interchange project replaced two bridges, including the narrow, two-lane I-5 overpass, with a four-lane structure that includes bike lanes and sidewalks. After the completion of the project, new connections between the interchange and city streets result in the interchange serving North Phoenix Road. Funding sources for the project included a commitment of $6.8 million from the City of Phoenix generated by an interchange development charge (IDC) levied on all new development and redevelopment within the city, unless exempted. The purpose of the IDC is to generate revenue to pay for capital transportation improvements in the city and to share an equitable amount of that cost with development projects that depend on or increase demand on the city's transportation infrastructure. The IDC is separate from and in addition to transportation system development charges previously authorized by the city.

High