Portland I-5 Rose Quarter Closures Begin, Warning of Tripled Commute Times
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has closed all southbound lanes of Interstate 5 through Portland’s Rose Quarter for five weeks to replace the highway’s concrete surface, a project not undertaken since 1985. The closure began at 10:45 p.m. on September 12, 2026, with no major incidents reported during the initial weekend. However, officials warn that the first weekday commute on Monday, September 14, will likely see travel times triple. While a second lane reopened near Rosa Parks Way after initial striping adjustments, ODOT is updating signage to ensure drivers utilize available lanes and detours. Traffic volume dropped by approximately 10% on Saturday compared to previous weekends, but officials expect this trend to reverse as regular work and school commutes resume.
