The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced a full weekend closure of the right lane on northbound Interstate 5 to facilitate ongoing RealTime sign construction. The closure will be in effect from 8 p.m. Friday, August 1, through 6 a.m. Monday, August 4.
According to ODOT, this closure is necessary for continued work on the foundations for new RealTime signs along both sides of I-5, with this weekend’s activity focused on the northbound lanes. The affected section stretches from SW Terwilliger Boulevard to SW Corbett Avenue in Portland. All ramps within the closure zone are expected to remain open during the construction period.
Drivers are advised to anticipate delays and exercise caution when traveling through the area. “Construction schedules are subject to change, so please check TripCheck.com whenever you’re about to travel in Oregon,” an ODOT statement said.
The project is part of broader efforts to improve road safety and traffic efficiency by expanding the RealTime system along I-5 south of downtown Portland—from the Ross Island Bridge to Terwilliger Boulevard. These upgrades include installing Variable Advisory Speed signs that use sensors and cameras to calculate and display recommended speeds based on current traffic and weather conditions.
“RealTime signs calculate and display advisory speeds based on conditions ahead using traffic sensors, weather sensors, and cameras along the roadway,” ODOT stated. “Providing this information to drivers improves safety and traffic flow by reducing crashes and their associated delays.”
The system aims to give motorists advance warning about slowdowns or speed changes ahead, helping them make informed decisions in real time.
Despite ongoing funding challenges affecting maintenance and operations at ODOT, most construction projects like this one will continue as planned because they draw from dedicated capital programs funded by state or federal sources that cannot be used for other purposes. However, ODOT noted that a reduced workforce may lead to occasional project delays due to limited staff available for inspections or oversight responsibilities.
Work on the RealTime sign installations is scheduled to continue through fall 2025. Additional information can be found on TripCheck or by visiting ODOT’s project website.
