Freezing Fog and Major Lane Closures on I-84 and OR 224 Impact Friday Morning Commute

Morning Visibility Warning

Commuters hitting the roads this Friday, January 23, 2026, must prepare for hazardous driving conditions through the early hours. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a Freezing Fog Advisory for the Portland metro area, with visibility expected to drop to one-quarter mile or less in many sectors. Drivers are urged to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and maintain significant following distance, particularly on high-speed corridors like I-5 and I-205 where dense ground fog is most prevalent this morning.

Major Highway and Freeway Updates

Significant roadwork continues to affect several major arteries across the region. On I-84, between the Sandy River and Multnomah Falls, motorists should expect weekday single-lane and shoulder closures. These restrictions are active from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as crews perform bridge maintenance and safety upgrades. While delays are currently estimated at under 20 minutes, the combination of fog and lane shifts may increase travel times during the peak morning rush.

The I-205 Abernethy Bridge project also remains a major point of interest. Southbound traffic between Oregon City and West Linn is subject to intermittent width restrictions, and evening travelers should prepare for the nightly closure of the Exit 8 off-ramp to OR 43. Additionally, ODOT has flagged a full overnight closure of the Abernethy Bridge for this coming Monday, so commuters are advised to plan their future routes now.

In Milwaukie, the westbound OR 224 off-ramp to SE 17th Avenue and OR 99E (McLoughlin Blvd) remains closed during night hours from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This specific project is scheduled for completion tomorrow, January 24, which will provide relief for weekend travelers.

City Streets and Local Construction

Inside the city, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is continuing work on the "Building a Better 82nd" project. Expect localized delays and occasional flagging near high-crash intersections as safety improvements are installed. Furthermore, on NE Glisan Street between 82nd and 92nd Avenues, contractors are rebuilding sidewalk corners to meet ADA standards. While the most intensive paving work is scheduled for later this year, current preparations involve intermittent shoulder closures and pedestrian detours near Montavilla Park.

Public Transit and Regional Alerts

TriMet reports a standard morning service level, though riders are reminded that the agency is currently accepting public feedback on proposed 2026 service efficiencies through January 31. Commuters arriving from the coast should note that Tillamook County Transportation District has reinstated its 4:55 a.m. Route 5 trip to Portland, allowing for improved early-morning connections to the MAX Red Line at the Sunset Transit Center.