Heads Up, Commuters: Major 5-Week Southbound I-5 Closure Begins Sept. 11

BethanyTimes.com>> If your daily commute or weekend plans take you east across US-26 toward Portland or onto Interstate 5, expect significant regional delays starting mid-September.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced that all southbound lanes of Interstate 5 through the Rose Quarter in Portland will close starting at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026. The around-the-clock closure is scheduled to last for approximately five weeks through mid-October for critical bridge repairs and infrastructure upgrades.

What Is Closing?

• Southbound I-5 Mainline: Closed completely 24/7 through the Rose Quarter section (between the I-405 junction and I-84).
• On-Ramps: Southbound access from Alberta, Greeley, and northbound I-405/Fremont Bridge onto I-5 SB will be closed.
• Exceptions: One southbound lane will remain open strictly to exit at Broadway/Weidler near the Moda Center. Westbound I-84 to southbound I-5 will also remain open. Northbound I-5 is not affected.

While the work is happening in North Portland, traffic experts predict a massive ripple effect across the entire Portland metro highway network, including US-26 (Sunset Highway), Highway 217, and local cut-through routes:

• I-405 Congestion: ODOT’s primary detour for southbound traffic is routing drivers onto I-405 South. Expect heavy backup around the Fremont Bridge, the US-26/I-405 interchange, and through the Vista Ridge Tunnels as regional traffic shifts.
• Heavy Freight & Commuter Detours: Long-distance regional traffic will be urged to bypass Portland altogether using I-205. If you are commuting from Bethany down toward Lake Oswego, Tualatin, or Salem, consider taking US-26 to Highway 217 or using I-205 to avoid the downtown loop.
• Peak Hour Delays: Expect severe slowdowns during morning and evening rush hours along standard commute corridors.

Tips to Prepare:

Check Live Updates: Monitor real-time traffic conditions before heading out via TripCheck.com.

Plan Extra Time: Add significant buffer time if you need to cross the Willamette River or travel south through the central city.

Consider Off-Peak Hours or Transit: Adjust travel schedules where possible or utilize MAX Light Rail (Sunset Transit Center or Beaverton Creek stations) to bypass highway bottlenecks.

Source : www.oregon.gov/odot