County agrees to chip in roughly $550,000 for roundabout design on Wilsey–Battle Creek segment of I‑5 widening project

The Marion County Board of Commissioners on April 2 approved Amendment No. 1 to an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation to provide county funds for roundabout design at the Wilsey–Battle Creek intersection as part of the I‑5 Kubler Boulevard to Delaney Road widening project.

Public Works staff explained that ODOT’s project straightens the bridge across I‑5 on Battle Creek and shifts the intersection location. That change reduced sightlines on Wilsey, and county and ODOT designers determined a roundabout would better address safety concerns compared with a stop-controlled intersection. County representatives said ODOT offered to include the roundabout if the county would contribute funds to the design.

During the presentation, staff said the county contribution discussed was $557,203, describing the county’s offer to fund roundabout design. In the formal motion the amount recorded was $537,203; the board approved the IGA amendment in either case and directed staff to finalize design work with the consultant David Evans and Associates. Staff said the preliminary design in the packet shows a three-leg roundabout and that David Evans and Associates will produce final design documents if the amendment is approved.

The IGA also includes a long-end date that staff said is typical for ODOT IGAs and references the county’s commitment to maintain the improvements once built. Commissioners discussed timelines and the broad end date but approved the amendment by voice vote.