Rolling slowdowns begin July 28 between La Grande and Durkee
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, July 24th, 2025 in Featured Stories More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Release from the Oregon Department of Transportation) Beginning Monday, July 28, travelers on I-84 between La Grande and Durkee should expect delays of up to 20 minutes due to a series of rolling slowdowns. Slowdowns are necessary for crews to safely install variable message signs and sign structures while minimizing the need for extended road closures.
What to expect
- Flaggers will hold traffic up to 20 minutes at the I-84 on-ramps around the construction locations.
- Two traffic control vehicles will slow traffic to 30 MPH to lead vehicles through the work zone.
- Emergency vehicles will be allowed through as needed.
- Expect at least two slowdowns daily. On Monday, there will be a third slowdown for structure removal. Additional slowdowns may be necessary.
Schedule and locations
Plan for delays 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Pacific Time) Monday through Friday at the following locations:
- Monday, July 28: milepost 263.5 eastbound (1.5 miles east of Exit 261 for La Grande).
- Tuesday, July 29: milepost 279.5 westbound (one-half mile southeast of Exit 278 for Clover Creek; 6 miles north of North Powder).
- Wednesday, July 30: milepost 291 eastbound (5 miles south of North Powder).
- Thursday, July 31: milepost 291 westbound (5 miles south of North Powder).
- Friday, August 1: milepost 328 westbound (1 mile southeast of Exit 327 for Durkee).
About the project
We are upgrading road & weather sensors and installing variable speed limit and variable message signs along I-84 between Baker City and La Grande. The new signs will provide important information to travelers about road closures, accidents, delays, road conditions, amber alerts, and other emergency notifications.
Visit the project webpage for more information.
Funding information
While the funding crisis is having a profound effect on ODOT’s maintenance and operations, most construction projects will continue as planned. These projects are typically funded through separate capital programs, often with state or federal funds that are legally restricted to project development and cannot be redirected for maintenance or day-to-day operations. Delays may still occur due to a reduced workforce. Fewer available staff for traffic control, inspections and project oversight could slow down timelines or introduce challenges in project delivery. For more information on ODOT’s funding crisis, visit our website.
