Beaver State News

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced that biennial bridge inspections will result in overnight closures of sections of Interstate 5 (I-5) and Interstate 84 (I-84) around the Marquam Bridge over a period of five nights. Beginning Sunday night, April 20, the full closures are planned from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly, with the work expected to conclude by early Friday morning, April 24.

During these inspections, additional lane closures may occur leading up to the work zones. Motorists are advised to watch for warning and detour signs.

The specific closure schedules are as follows: I-5 southbound will be closed between I-405 and the Marquam Bridge, with a detour via Exit 302B to I-405. Additionally, the I-5 northbound ramp to eastbound I-84 will be closed, with detours available by using I-5 southbound to I-405 northbound.

ODOT conducts regular inspections of its bridges every two years, as well as following incidents that may cause structural damage such as crashes or flooding. The current schedule outlines these regular biennial inspections, which will persist in the Portland area through spring and summer.

The tentative schedule for upcoming inspections includes:

- May: Inspections of southbound I-5 to Morrison Bridge, SE Morrison to northbound I-5, and Morrison Bridge to northbound I-5 and eastbound I-84.

- June: Inspections of southbound I-5 from I-405 to the Marquam Bridge.

- July: Nighttime inspections of the Fremont Bridge (I-405) on separate nights for the upper and lower decks.

- August: Daytime lane closures for inspections of the Steel Bridge.

ODOT encourages drivers to plan accordingly due to these closures and detours to minimize disruptions to their commutes.