Starting Friday, September 11, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will close all southbound lanes of Interstate 5 just south of the Moda Center, around the clock, for an estimated five weeks. The closure allows crews to complete extensive repairs to the elevated structure in that stretch of freeway.
For those of us in Arbor Lodge and the rest of District Two, this means a real chance of more cars on neighborhood streets as people look for ways around the closure. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has been preparing mitigation measures, and we want to make sure neighbors know what to expect and how to plan ahead.
Traffic Impacts
Neighbors living or working in North and Northeast Portland should expect increased traffic during the closure. PBOT is working to reduce the impact, but the best way to stay ahead of it is to sign up for PBOT Traffic Advisories and ODOT’s I-5 Rose Quarter Project updates.
Local Access Restrictions
To discourage cut-through traffic on residential streets, PBOT will place “Local Access Only” barrels and signs, along with a handful of street closures, at several locations in the area, including stretches of Going, Morris, Tillamook, Rodney, Blandena, Michigan, and Cook. Most of this signage went in over Labor Day weekend, with a few additional locations near Skidmore and Williams following later.
Schools and Safety
PBOT’s Safe Routes to School team is working directly with schools expected to see the most rerouted traffic, including Boise-Eliot Elementary, SEI Academy, Harriet Tubman Middle School, Beverly Cleary at Fernwood, Grant High School, Jefferson High School, Kairos PDX, and Sabin Elementary. Expect temporary speed-reader boards and additional access restrictions near these schools, with more added if needed as the closure continues.
Help Keep Our Streets Safe
With more traffic likely on neighborhood streets, this is a good moment to pick up a free “20 is Plenty” yard sign as a reminder to drivers to slow down. Signs are available at:
- The Portland Building (1120 SW Fifth Avenue), front desk, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (4815 NE 7th Avenue), Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 503-388-5004 when you arrive so staff can let you in.
Limit of one sign per household. Signs are 24″ by 18″ and come with optional wire H-stakes.
Support Local Businesses
Several nearby business districts will feel the impact of this closure more than most, including the Kenton Business District, St. Johns Boosters, Historic Mississippi Business District, Williams Avenue, the Soul District, and NE Broadway. Consider shifting a commute or errand to visit one of these districts instead of sitting in traffic. It’s an easy way to support neighbors and local business owners during a tough stretch.
Consider Shifting Your Trip
ODOT estimates that peak congestion will stretch from about 6:30 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 8:30 p.m. during the closure. A few ways to avoid the worst of it:
- Transit: Check TriMet or C-Tran for routes and service alerts, or find a Park and Ride near you.
- Carpool: ODOT’s Get There platform can help match you with coworkers or neighbors headed the same direction.
- Timing: Shifting a commute even 30 to 60 minutes outside peak hours can help.
- Telework: If it’s an option, working from home during the closure will help reduce congestion for everyone else.
- City Bike Bus: Join the Special Edition I-5 Closure N & NE City Bike Bus, running every Wednesday from September 16 through October 14.
- Discounted e-bikes and scooters: BIKETOWN and Lime are offering free 10-minute rides for weekday trips starting or ending at the Rose Quarter Transit Center. Check either app to see if you’re in the promotional area.
Questions or Concerns?
Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT):
503-470-3127
i5RoseQuarter@odot.oregon.gov
PBOT Customer Service (PDX 311):
3-1-1 or 503-823-4000
311@portlandoregon.gov
Every day, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (excluding federal holidays)