PORTLAND, OREGON — Southbound Interstate 5 through the Rose Quarter in Portland will close for approximately five weeks starting at 10 p.m. on September 11, 2026, for critical repairs to an elevated section of the highway that has not had major work done since 1985 — more than 40 years ago and well beyond the expected 25-year lifespan of the concrete surface.
ODOT is warning drivers, freight carriers, and anyone who regularly travels through the area to start planning now. Travel times could be two to three times longer than usual, with congestion potentially backing up across the Columbia River into Washington state and spilling onto local Portland streets.
An average of about 120,000 vehicles travel this section of I-5 daily, including approximately 11,700 trucks hauling more than $100 million worth of goods.
What Will Be Closed and What Will Stay Open
I-5 southbound on-ramps from Alberta, Greeley, and I-405 northbound at the Fremont Bridge will all be closed. All southbound I-5 traffic will be detoured to I-405 southbound, with regional traffic directed to I-205. One lane of southbound I-5 will remain open to the Broadway exit near the Moda Center. I-84 westbound to I-5 southbound will remain open. I-5 northbound will not be affected.
Why the Closure Is Necessary
The elevated structure just south of the Moda Center has developed ruts, cracks, and potholes from decades of heavy use and weather, causing ongoing structural degradation. Crews will remove the concrete surface layer, conduct structural repairs to the base layer, and replace the concrete surface entirely. ODOT said a full closure is the fastest and most cost-efficient approach, saving up to $9 million in construction costs compared to other methods.
“We will be working 24/7 in three shifts so that we take advantage of every minute the interstate is closed and can reopen it as quickly as possible,” said Kenn Hallquist, Construction Project Manager with Hamilton-Sundt Joint Venture.
The Broader Impact
ODOT Project Delivery Manager David Kim warned that the effects will reach well beyond drivers who normally use southbound I-5. “Even if you don’t usually use I-5 southbound, your travel times will be affected with travelers seeking different routes,” Kim said. “We expect significant delays and unpredictable travel times for I-5 and I-405 — as well as many parallel and alternate routes in the city.”
Portland Fire and Rescue reminded drivers to pull to the right to allow emergency vehicles through during the congested period. The Portland Bureau of Transportation said city crews will delay all non-emergency work in the affected area until the closure is lifted.
TriMet noted that the MAX Yellow Line runs parallel to I-5 from the Moda Center to downtown and may be the best option for those who can avoid driving entirely, though bus travel times may also be longer than usual due to increased traffic.
For more information and alternate route options visit the Rose Quarter project page at ODOT’s website.
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