the i 5 mess across the willamette river bridge in Portland Oregon

So, for example, if you have to get from the Airport to anywhere south of the Williamette River maybe take 205 south to 5 if that is where you are trying to go. However, if you are local you might find all sorts of ways. not sure. Then there is WAZE which my friend likes on his smartphone because it also tells you where all the police are too. WAZE tells you the quickest route to anywhere in the U.S. and also tells you where all the police are too. 

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AI Overview

 

The current I-5 traffic mess in Portland is caused by a major 5-week, 24/7 southbound closure through the Rose Quarter, just east of the Willamette River. 

Key Details of the Closure

Where: Southbound I-5 is shut down completely between Interstate 405 and Interstate 84. 
Why: The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is repaving the aging roadway, replacing bridge joints, and making critical safety repairs. 
Duration: The closure started in mid-September 2026 and lasts for up to five weeks. 
Northbound I-5: Northbound lanes remain open for now, though similar closures for the northbound side are scheduled for the summer of 2027. 

Best Detours & Tips

Use I-405: Southbound drivers are strongly urged to take the Fremont Bridge and use I-405 South through downtown Portland as the main bypass. 
Use I-205: Commuters coming from further north (like Vancouver) can drop down via I-205 to I-84 West. 
Local Access: The North Broadway and Weidler Street exit remains open for local traffic only, and any drivers missing the I-405 split are forced off there. 
Use the Zipper Merge: If you are forced into the merge zones, use all available lanes up to the point of closure and take turns alternating. 

Are you trying to plan a commute through the area right now, or do you need help finding a specific alternative route around the Rose Quarter?

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  YouTube·KGW News

  Commuters anxious hours ahead of Portland I-5 closure

  Sep 12, 2026 — Commuters anxious hours ahead of Portland I-5 closure: 'It's going to be insane' hey very good evening everyone david Moco with yo...

  

  3:34
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  Facebook·OPB

  How bad is "carmageddon" in Portland? All lanes of Interstate ...

  Sep 15, 2026 — To see just how bad your commute could be during the closure, OPB drove I- 5 from Vancouver to the OPB headquarters in South Portl...

  

  1:54
• 

  KGW

  Here's how to get around the big I-5 south closure in the Rose ...

  Sep 14, 2026 — What will be closed? The closure includes all lanes of I-5 south through the Rose Quarter, including the flyover ramp to eastbound...

  

Show all

AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses

Videos

How bad is "carmageddon" in Portland? All lanes of Interstate ...

Facebook · OPB

1 day ago

Facebook · OPB

1:54

OPB drives I-5 South during 5-week closure

YouTube · Oregon Public Broadcasting

1 day ago

YouTube · Oregon Public Broadcasting

1:54

Truckers keep moving, albeit slower, amid Portland I-5 closure

YouTube · KGW News

1 day ago

YouTube · KGW News

2:07

I-5 South Closure: Portland, Vancouver commuters prepare for ...

YouTube · KATU News

2 days ago

YouTube · KATU News

5:42

I-5 Southbound closure between I-405 and I-84 is causing significant backups. Expect delays of 35 mins on I-205 to Oregon City.

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