TROUTDALE, Ore. -- Even as it was announced that Oregon's unemployment rate had reached a record 12.4 percent one Oregon town is adding jobs by the hundreds.

Construction is underway on a FedEx shipping hub in Troutdale that, when finished, will create 650 new jobs.

"We're creating family wage jobs, because this project will take place this summer," Troutdale Mayor Jim Kight said.

The expected increase in traffic because of the new hub also created jobs as construction crews were needed to update roads. The road construction will begin sometime in July or August.

The Oregon Department of Transportation said the project -- that will add two right turn lanes coming from South Frontage Road onto 257th Drive -- will relieve congestion in the area.

Traffic tie-ups are already common at the intersection of Frontage Road and 257th Drive because Frontage is used by drivers coming off Interstate 84 at Exit 17 in Troutdale.

There are also two large truck stops on Frontage Road, right off the freeway.

When the FedEx shipping hub is finished next summer, there will be an estimated 1,400 additional car and truck trips using Exit 17, so the state legislature approved funding for the new lanes on Frontage Road to accommodate the additional traffic.

ODOT officials said there are two more phases of road construction planned for the area around FedEx. If those are approved by the governor, it will mean the potential for more than 300 road construction jobs.

People in Troutdale said they're happy to hear positive economic news for a change.

"Anytime jobs are added I think it's a plus. We really need it. I think it's a good thing," said Glen Mackey of Flying J Traffic Stop.

The FedEx ground shipping hub is expected to be finished in July 2010.

For more information about the Troutdale Interstate 84 Exit 17 road project, visit http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION1/troutdaleexit17/

For hiring information, you can contact the contractor once ODOT posts their name on the Web site.

Troutdale FedEx Hub Will Create 650 Jobs