The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) reports that, beginning September 11, all southbound lanes of I-5 in the Rose Quarter will close around-the-clock for up to five weeks. Construction crews will work 24 hours a day to conduct critical repairs and improve safety in this 2-mile section of I-5.
Drivers that are going into downtown Portland can exit at the North Broadway exit near the Moda Center. All other vehicles on I-5 southbound will be detoured to I-405. The Oregon Department of Transportation predicts significant delays and unpredictable travel times on many routes in the city.
“We are asking everyone to plan ahead,” said David Kim, ODOT’s statewide project delivery manager. “Many drivers have no other options than to drive through this area. If you have flexibility to change your travel plans, whether that’s traveling during off-peak times, using public transit, or planning an alternate route, please do.”
During the closure in September and October, ODOT predicts travel times on I-5 near the project site could be two to three times longer than a typical travel day if every driver sticks to their normal travel patterns. Congestion on I-5 southbound during the morning and afternoon commutes is expected to extend into Vancouver.
“We’re encouraging long-distance travelers, including the freight industry, to take I-205 through the region,” Kim said. “If you live in the area and can avoid the interstate during this time, you’ll save yourself a headache and help people who must commute get where they need to go.”
Ahead of the closure, ODOT is working closely with the city of Portland, Multnomah County, TriMet, emergency responders, communities, hospitals and schools to prepare for the closure.
“This project team is really committed to having this work over as quickly and as safely as possible,” said interim ODOT Director Lisa Sumption. “I know it’s not ideal, but this single five-week closure is cheaper, faster and safer for workers compared to weekend or single lane closures that would go on for months. I appreciate everyone’s support as we make these safety improvements.”
Red circle shows a hole in an I-5 bridge that appeared in April 2024 between two supporting steel beams, resulting in an emergency closure of I-5.
Needed I-5 Repair Work
The elevated structure just south of the Moda Center has ruts, cracks and potholes from decades of heavy use and weather which leads to further structural degradation. Crews will remove the concrete surface layer, conduct critical structural repairs to the base layer and then replace the concrete surface.
The concrete was last replaced in 1985. The repairs will avoid further decay and more frequent, costly and emergency repairs.
At the same time, workers will continue making safety and seismic improvements that have been in construction since fall 2025.
Drivers Can Expect:
- I-5 southbound on-ramps from Alberta, Greeley, and I-405 northbound/Fremont Bridge will be closed.
- All I-5 southbound travel will be detoured to I-405 southbound. Regional traffic will be directed to I-205.
- One lane of I-5 southbound will remain open to the Broadway exit by the Moda center
- I-84 westbound to I-5 southbound will remain open.
- I-5 northbound will remain open.
Options to Avoid or Navigate the Closures:
- Plan ahead and give yourself more time to get to your destination.
- Change your travel time to earlier or later in the day if you can. If you have flexibility, reschedule appointments to before or after the closure.
- Choose a different way to travel like MAX, streetcar, bus, bike, walk or carpool.
- Use an alternate route and expect a longer trip if you have to drive.
- Ask your employer if you can work remotely for the duration of the closure.
About the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project
The I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project is improving safety and congestion where I-5, I-84, and I-405 converge, while strengthening local connections and supporting long-term community revitalization in the Albina neighborhood. Construction currently underway increases seismic resilience, improves safety with the extension of a merging lane, replaces the concrete deck of an elevated structure and prepares the project area for future improvements.
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