I-5 Closure Resources

Aerial image of I-5 Rose Quarter project area.

I-5 Southbound closure: Plan ahead  

Beginning September 11, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will close all southbound lanes of I-5 near Portland’s Rose Quarter for up to five weeks. The 24/7 closure applies to the section between I-405 and I-84 as part of ODOT’s Rose Quarter Improvement Project. 

ODOT predicts travel times could be two to three times longer than usual. Heavy congestion is expected to back up across the Interstate Bridge into Washington, impacting local drivers, transit riders, and businesses relying on the corridor. 

 

How to Plan Ahead

  • Adjust your travel time: Shift commutes to off-peak hours when possible.
  • Explore transit or carpooling: Consider C-TRAN or shared rides to reduce single-occupancy trips.
  • Work remotely: Work from home or an alternate location if you can.
  • Identify alternate routes: plan different ways to get where you need to go.
  • Stay informed: Sign up for ODOT project alerts and check real-time traffic maps before heading out.

Behind the Scenes: How We’re Managing Traffic 

The City is actively working behind the scenes to keep Vancouver moving as smoothly as possible. 

  • Real-Time Monitoring: We are partnering directly with WSDOT and ODOT using smart traffic sensors along I-5 and I-205. Our Traffic Management Center will monitor traffic flow and adjust local signal timing as conditions change. 
  • Ramp Meter Congestion: Expect backups near major on-ramps as WSDOT activates ramp meters to control freeway flow. We will be actively reporting extreme backups to WSDOT so they can adjust meter timing. 

Local Hot Spots to Watch 

If you travel near these intersections or on ramps during peak hours, build in extra time or consider alternate routes: 

  • I-5 On-Ramps: SR-500, 39th St, Fourth Plain, Mill Plain, and Washington/6th St. 
  • I-205 On-Ramps: SR-14, Mill Plain, 18th St, and SR-500. 

Commuter tools and resources

While regional agencies work to manage traffic flow, drivers can take steps now to minimize delays. Visit ODOT’s closure resources page for a full list of tools and options during the closure.