Big X Improvements Near Finish Line
Medford’s major three-highway intersection gets pavement upgrades, bridge repairs, new signals, and safer bike/ped access
MEDFORD, Ore. — A major overhaul of Medford’s well-known “Big X” intersection is nearing completion, bringing fresh pavement, updated traffic signals, and safety improvements just ahead of the holiday travel season.
The project — which covers the junction of Oregon 62, Oregon 99, and Oregon 238 — focused on resurfacing travel lanes, preserving several aging bridge decks, and improving safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
“Our contractor and crews have worked efficiently to complete this project, which will extend the service life of the pavement and bridges while also enhancing safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians,” said Elijah Oberlander, interim area manager for ODOT in the Rogue Valley.
More than 38,000 vehicles pass through the Big X daily, a number that continues to rise with Medford’s population growth and ongoing commercial development. This is the first major rehabilitation of the intersection since its original completion in 2000.
What the Project Included
New pavement & striping. Crews removed cracked and worn surfaces, installed new asphalt, and added clearer lane striping with increased buffers between vehicle and bicycle lanes.
Bridge rehabilitation. Workers repaired and repaved key bridge decks on OR 62 and OR 238, including structures over Bear Creek, Interstate 5, Biddle Road, and the CORP railroad tracks.
Updated lane configuration. Eastbound traffic from OR 238 to OR 62 now includes three lanes instead of two, improving flow through the OR 99 crossing.
Modernized traffic signals. A new system using cameras and radar adjusts signal timing in real time. Unlike older loop sensors in the pavement, this system allows pavement repairs without disrupting detection equipment.
New multi-use path. A narrow sidewalk along OR 62 was replaced with a wider path to separate westbound bike traffic from vehicle lanes.
ADA upgrades. Crews installed 88 ADA-compliant curb ramps throughout the project area.
Prime contractor Knife River Materials began work in August 2024. Remaining finishing work — weather permitting — will occur at night to reduce travel impacts.
The $18 million project, funded through House Bill 2017 along with federal and state dollars, is designated specifically for capital improvements and cannot be used for general roadway maintenance.
Images: ODOT
