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Portland's I-5 Rose Quarter closure ends early after 24-hour work pace
4 days ago•Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting - OPB
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28.52 min•4 days ago
Portland's I-5 Rose Quarter closure ends early, with northbound repairs planned for next summer
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has reopened southbound lanes of Interstate 5 through Portland's Rose Quarter ahead of schedule. The closure, which began on September 11, 2026, was expected to last five weeks but ended approximately 10 to 15 days early. ODOT attributed the early completion to favorable weather and 24-hour construction efforts. While the main lanes are open, crews will continue to restore traffic controls, and a similar closure for northbound lanes is planned for next summer.
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Railroad Work Forces Suspension of Edmonds-Kingston Ferry Route Amid Post-Sick-Out Recovery
Washington State Ferries will suspend the Edmonds-Kingston route from 7 p.m. Tuesday to 10 a.m. Wednesday for critical BNSF railroad work. This closure follows a major Monday service disruption caused by 23 engineers calling out sick, which left 13 of 18 boats out of service. Governor Bob Ferguson confirmed most routes resumed Tuesday, but the Edmonds-Kingston line remains suspended due to infrastructure needs.
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Ferry Service Restored After Union-Backed Sick-Out Halts Puget Sound Routes
Washington State Ferries resumed full operations on Tuesday morning after a major service disruption on Monday caused by a coordinated sick-out among engine room workers. Governor Bob Ferguson confirmed that most routes are running normally, with only minor cancellations due to residual staffing issues. The Monday shutdown, which took 13 of 18 boats out of service, stemmed from 23 employees calling in sick and other qualified staff refusing to cover shifts. While the governor blamed the union for causing harm to residents, the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) described the action as a 'frantic cry for help' due to chronic understaffing and excessive overtime demands.
Mass Sick Leave Halts 72% of Washington State Ferry Routes
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Brightline's Bankruptcy Highlights the Structural Barriers to US High-Speed Rail
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Pinehurst Station Opens Amid Cost and Ridership Controversy
Sound Transit opened its $240 million Pinehurst light rail station on September 30, 2026, marking the first in-fill station on the Link network. While the agency celebrates the completion of a 2016 voter-approved project, critics argue the investment is unjustified due to limited nearby housing and low projected ridership. The opening coincides with the debut of Amtrak's new Airo trains, highlighting a broader shift in regional transit infrastructure.
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DOD Finalizes 'Freedom Means Affordable Cars' Rule, Setting 2031 Fuel Target at 34.9 MPG
The U.S. Department of Transportation finalized new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards on September 28, 2026, lowering the 2031 fleet average target to 34.9 miles per gallon. The administration claims this will reduce average new vehicle prices by $1,300 and save consumers $138 billion over five years, though independent analysts remain skeptical of these projections.
Siemens Airo Trains Launch on Amtrak Cascades, Boosting Pacific Northwest Capacity
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transportation14 days ago
Amtrak Cascades launches new Airo trains in Pacific Northwest
Amtrak Cascades will debut its new Airo trainsets on September 30, 2026, making the Pacific Northwest the first region in the country to use the fleet. Manufactured by Siemens, the trains feature modern amenities and advanced monitoring systems. Initially, two trainsets will operate four daily trips between Vancouver, British Columbia, Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, with the full rollout of eight sets expected by early 2027.