Both directions of Interstate 5 in southwest Portland will be closed overnight for the installation of new RealTime sign bridges. The closure affects the stretch between Interstate 405 and SW Terwilliger Boulevard, starting at 11 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, and ending at 5 a.m. on Friday, November 7.
This is the first of up to four planned nighttime closures in this area. A second closure is scheduled for Monday night, November 17. Two more nighttime closures may be added later if needed. Closures that were previously set for November 10 and November 13 have been canceled due to equipment availability.
During the work, several ramps will also be closed. For northbound traffic, the Terwilliger Boulevard, Multnomah Boulevard, Spring Garden Street, and Huber Street ramps will not be accessible. For southbound traffic, drivers will not be able to use the ramp from I-405 south to I-5 south, Harbor Drive, or Hood Avenue.
Drivers are advised to expect lane closures before and after the full closure as crews prepare and clean up the site. Local traffic can detour using Barbur Boulevard while regional travelers are encouraged to bypass this section of I-5 by taking I-205 to I-84 or U.S. 26 to OR 217. Delays are expected during these times and caution is recommended.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) states that RealTime signs “calculate and display advisory speeds based on conditions ahead using traffic sensors, weather sensors, and cameras along the roadway.” According to ODOT: “Improve safety and traffic flow by reducing crashes and their associated delays.” The agency also notes: “Help prevent rear-end crashes by warning drivers of slowdowns ahead.” In addition: “Give drivers advance notice about speed changes ahead due to current conditions so they can make real time decisions.”
More information about these closures and a regional detour map can be found on the project website.
