Southbound I-5 in Portland to Close Sept. 11 for Rose Quarter Repairs

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Rose Quarter I-5 Closure Details and Ramp Shutdowns

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, the project begins around 10 p.m. on September 11. Crews will remove the existing concrete surface, reinforce the structure underneath, replace bridge joints, and pour a new concrete surface.

The construction schedule requires shutting down multiple key access ramps. According to state officials, closures include:

• The Alberta Street ramp to southbound Interstate 5
• The Greeley Avenue ramp to southbound Interstate 5
• The northbound Interstate 405/Fremont Bridge ramp to southbound Interstate 5
• The Wheeler Avenue entrance to southbound Interstate 5
• The southbound Interstate 5 ramp to eastbound Interstate 84

State officials warn that travel times could balloon to two or three times longer than normal. Congestion is expected to back up across the Columbia River into Washington, stretching more than seven miles north of the Rose Quarter work zone.

“We are asking everyone to plan ahead,” said David Kim, ODOT’s statewide project delivery manager, noting that many drivers lack alternative routes through the urban core.

Traffic Detours and Alternative Routes

State transportation officials are urging motorists to avoid the construction zone entirely if possible. Drivers who must travel through the area will be detoured onto southbound Interstate 405 across the Fremont Bridge. Commuters who do not need to access central Portland are advised to use Interstate 205 instead.

ODOT officials also recommend shifting travel times to off-peak hours, utilizing public transit, or seeking out alternative regional routes to mitigate the impact of the gridlock.

Project Costs and Construction Timeline

The total price tag for the Rose Quarter renovation has climbed significantly since lawmakers first approved funding in 2017 through the “Keep Oregon Moving” transportation package, which increased gas taxes, DMV fees, and instituted a statewide payroll tax. While initial estimates hovered around $500 million, current project costs range up to $2.08 billion, with internal draft records indicating totals could eventually surpass $3 billion.

ODOT evaluated alternative construction methods, including a series of smaller closures that would have kept the freeway partially open. However, officials stated that approach would have added $6 million to $9 million to the project and introduced severe safety risks by mixing high-volume traffic directly with active construction zones.

“This project team is really committed to having this work over as quickly and as safely as possible,” said Lisa Sumption, former interim ODOT director, in a news release. “I know it’s not ideal, but this single five-week closure is cheaper, faster and safer for workers compared to weekend or single-lane closures that would go on for months.”

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