The U.S. House Transportation Committee's next chairman has shared some choice words with Oregon officials responsible for setting the state's transportation policy — particularly regarding a Eugene project that's causing extensive traffic woes.

In a letter dated Thursday, U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., advised Tammy Baney, the Oregon Transportation Commission's chairwoman, that the state Department of Transportation "needs to conduct a thorough re-evaluation of its traffic management plans" for the remaining phases of an $18 million project to modernize a mile-long stretch of Interstate 105.

DeFazio asserts in the letter that work on the project that began Oct. 29 has caused "massive gridlock that is leaving all users rightly outraged."

"Typical commute times have quadrupled, and congestion is choking off alternative routes, arterials, and even neighborhood streets, rendering Eugene virtually unnavigable at peak travel times," the letter states.

Work during the project's first phase includes knocking down the highway bridge just south of the Willamette River, and is expected to continue for at least another month.

DeFazio wrote that he understands it's too late to change the construction management plan for the first phase. But the Springfield Democrat said ODOT needs to review its plans for the rest of the project — which may take another two years to complete — and "make adjustments as necessary."

ODOT spokeswoman Angela Beers-Seydel said agency officials will take a second look at the project, in response to comments received from DeFazio and area residents.

"Over the next few days we’re going to review the traffic-control plans for the entire project again with a fine-tooth comb to see what improvements can be made, and should have results soon," Beers-Seydel said.

She added that ODOT found that motorists are experiencing five-minute delays through the work zone area at peak times. The section of I-105 that's receiving attention carries an average of 60,000 vehicles a day.

In addition to impacts on the highway, city officials have reported to ODOT that increased traffic is being seen throughout the city, with higher volumes particularly noticeable in the Coburg Road and downtown areas, Beers-Seydel said.

With Democrats winning control of the House in Tuesday's election, DeFazio is expected to be named chairman of its Transportation Committee.

According to ODOT's website, 23 percent of the agency's funding comes from the federal government.

ODOT officials told The Register-Guard last week that work crews may temporarily close an on-ramp connecting southbound Delta Highway to I-105 during the holiday season, and has informed Valley River Center and surrounding businesses of that possibility.

DeFazio wrote in his letter to Baney — which was copied to Gov. Kate Brown, a number of state lawmakers and other transportation commission members — that easing impacts during commuting hours and "ensuring access to major shopping centers — especially during the holiday season — must be prioritized."

Beers-Seydel said Friday that project officials have decided not to close the on-ramp until after the holidays, "specifically to accommodate holiday shoppers and travelers."

The letter also asserts ODOT "must guarantee" traffic impacts from the project will not "undermine" Eugene's hosting of the 2020 U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials and the 2021 World Track and Field Championships. Beers-Seydel said ODOT's goal has been to complete the work before the 2021 event.

In addition to writing about the Eugene project, DeFazio also mentioned in the letter his opposition to proposed tolling on congested sections of Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 in the Portland area. The letter served as a follow-up to a Nov. 1 conversation that DeFazio had with Baney and another member of the state commission.