For Immediate Release St. Helens, Ore. – August 17, 2026

Major I-5 Southbound Closure in Portland Metro: Alternate Routes Advised

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is alerting drivers that a significant portion of Interstate 5 (I-5) in the Portland
metropolitan area will be completely closed for approximately five weeks, beginning September 11, 2026. The closure affects all southbound lanes of I-5 in the Rose Quarter, as well as the southbound I-5 connector from I-405 to I-84
and several on-ramps in the vicinity.

Drivers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes into Columbia County and throughout the Portland area. ODOT is
working closely with local agencies to minimize disruption, but significant delays are expected. Detailed detour information and real-time updates will be available through ODOT’s official website and local news outlets. Please refer to the following ODOT project website for the latest traffic impacts: Current Construction Travel Impacts -5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project

During this time, Columbia County residents and travelers can expect an increase in traffic on US-30 (Lower Columbia Highway) as motorists
reroute to avoid construction and related congestion. There will also be some overlap between the I-5 Rose Quarter project and the OR-127 (Cornelius Pass Road) bridge replacement between Scappoose and Hillsboro, which may increase delays for commuters.

For additional information, please contact:

Oregon Department of Transportation
Public Affairs Office
Email: info@odot.state.or.us
Phone: (503) 555-1234

About ODOT: The Oregon Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, efficient transportation system that supports economic opportunity and livable communities for Oregonians.

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