City Notices: Seasonal Openings, Major Infrastructure Alerts, and Public Health Recalls

Transportation and Infrastructure Alerts

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) have announced several critical updates regarding regional travel and infrastructure projects active this weekend.

• I-5 Northbound Ramp Closure: The off-ramp at Exit 302A leading to Broadway-Weidler Street and the Moda Center is scheduled for closure. While work began late Friday, the restriction remains in place until 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7. Commuters are advised to use alternate exits for Rose Quarter access.
• I-84 Lane Restrictions: Travelers on Interstate 84 near McCord Creek should prepare for ongoing lane closures in both directions as crews continue bridge replacement efforts. Only one lane remains open in each direction to ensure safety during the seismic and structural upgrades.
• I-205 Width Restrictions: On Saturday night, motorists on I-205 Northbound between Mileposts 8.56 and 9.56 (Oregon City area) should anticipate width restrictions limited to 18 feet. These restrictions are active from 10:00 p.m. Saturday through 8:00 a.m. Sunday.
• Public Comment Opportunity: PBOT is currently seeking public input on proposed updates to administrative rules concerning automated vehicles (AVs), multimodal incentives, and driveway operations. Residents have until March 20 to submit formal testimony to the bureau.

Public Health and Safety Advisories

City and state health officials have issued the following notices regarding local safety and consumer protection:

• Facility Closure: A Trader Joe’s location in Southeast Portland remains closed following the detection of asbestos during a recent assessment. While officials categorize the immediate health risk to the public as low, the store will remain shuttered until professional decontamination is completed.
• Major Food Recall: Ajinomoto Foods North America has expanded its recall of frozen fried rice, ramen, and dumpling products due to potential glass contamination. Affected brands include Kroger, Ling Ling, Tai Pei, and Trader Joe’s. Consumers are urged to check best-by dates ranging through 2027 and discard any impacted products immediately.
• Travel Health Notice: Local residents planning international travel are reminded of a Level 2 CDC advisory regarding poliovirus detections in over 40 countries. Officials recommend that adults ensure they have received a lifetime booster dose before traveling to impacted regions.

Community and Governance Updates

As the city transitions into the spring season, several community milestones are occurring this Saturday:

• Saturday Market Opening: The 2026 season of the Portland Saturday Market officially begins today, March 7. This historic open-air market provides a platform for local artisans and serves as a significant economic driver for the downtown waterfront area.
• Legislative Conclusion: The Oregon State Legislature has concluded its short 2026 session. Notable outcomes include the passage of bills designed to bypass certain land-use laws for senior housing and new protections for patient privacy regarding immigration status within healthcare facilities.
• Bull Run Filtration Project: Residents in impacted neighborhoods are invited to join "Coffee with the Contractor" sessions throughout March to discuss the ongoing construction of the Bull Run Filtration facility, intended to enhance long-term water safety for the region.