Partners and ODOT say Rose 0.25 Phase 1b scope aligned; construction underway on Phase 1a

Project staff and community partners updated the commission on the I‑5 Rose 0.25 corridor on March 12, saying recent convening of a project management group (PMG) brought stakeholders into close alignment on Phase 1b and planning for Phase 1c.

"These PMG briefings have been tremendously successful," JT Flower, senior adviser at Albina Vision Trust, told the commission, adding the group had for the first time achieved alignment among Metro, the City of Portland, community groups and contractors. Monica Blanchard, interim project director, said Phase 1a construction is roughly 30% complete and the Hamilton Cent joint venture (HSJV) is exceeding workforce goals: "They are currently exceeding their workforce goals for minority, women and veteran participation at 52% and their apprentices at 13%."

Staff described Phase 1b work as preserving independent utility under FHWA rules while progressing locally important elements such as shoulder widening, sign structure upgrades and reconstruction of transit center infrastructure. The PMG agreed to explore early right‑of‑way acquisition using a $30 million reconnecting‑communities grant earmarked for the highway cover area to achieve parity requested by partners.

Commissioners thanked partners for transparency and asked staff to return with ongoing updates. ODOT said PMG meetings will continue monthly through June to define Phase 1c scope and funding strategy; staff also noted national technical assistance from America Forward had been awarded to the project to strengthen delivery and funding competitiveness.