Redwood Highway commuters need to be prepared for a change in their commute with the upcoming removal of the signal located on the highway in front of the Josephine County Fairgrounds.

Oregon Department of Transportation Spokesman Gary Leaming says flaggers and lane closures will occur late Monday as the signal is removed and those who are traveling Tuesday morning should be wary of changes in traffic due to the removed signal.

Leaming says the signal removal relieve congestion and safety hazards, “The problem is there are too many signals in too short a distance. So you have signals at Ringuette, Redwood Avenue and the Fairground’s signal and it catches drivers unaware. We have a high incidence of rear-end crashes at that location and it plugs up the interstate highway as well. So the intent of this project is not only to improve safety but to also keep traffic moving through that corridor.”

Leaming adds that the project is also installing sidewalks in the area and plans are already in the works with the Fairgrounds’ Board to install a convenient bus stop near the Fairgrounds’ entrance.