Late-Night Ramp Closures on I-5 and OR 224 Headline Friday Commute

Morning Commute Overview

Commuters heading into the city this Friday, March 6, can expect a typical damp morning as light rain continues to impact visibility across the Portland metro area. While no major multi-vehicle incidents have been reported as of the early morning rush, wet pavement remains a primary concern for those traveling along the I-5 and US-26 corridors. Drivers are encouraged to maintain safe following distances as the rain is expected to persist throughout the day, maintaining a high level of humidity and slick conditions on bridge surfaces and overpasses.

Key Roadworks and Ramp Closures

Several significant roadwork projects are affecting travel today. Of particular note for evening travelers, the Oregon Department of Transportation has announced that the I-5 northbound Exit 302A off-ramp to Broadway-Weidler Street and the Moda Center will be closed tonight from 11:00 PM until 7:00 AM tomorrow. This closure is necessary for ongoing infrastructure maintenance and is expected to be completed by Saturday morning.

• OR 224 in Milwaukie: Nightly work on westbound OR 224 and the off-ramp to southbound OR 99E is scheduled for completion today. Drivers should expect regular traffic patterns to resume after the final overnight shift concludes this morning.
• I-84 Corbett Area: Width restrictions remain in place for both eastbound and westbound I-84 near the Corbett interchange. Vehicles over 16 feet wide are restricted between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM today as crews finalize culvert repairs intended to improve stormwater management.
• I-5 Rose Quarter: Ongoing seismic retrofitting and stormwater facility construction continue to cause intermittent overnight lane closures on both the northbound and southbound left lanes between the Oregon Convention Center and the Burnside Bridge.
• I-5 South Portland: Drivers should watch for short-term shoulder and lane closures between the Ross Island Bridge and Terwilliger Boulevard as workers install RealTime Variable Advisory Speed signs designed to improve traffic flow during peak hours.

TriMet Service Alerts

Public transit riders should be aware that the first major wave of 2026 service reductions is now in full effect. Following TriMet’s recent budget adjustments, several lines have seen permanent route changes and frequency cuts that may affect your Friday commute timing.

• Line 24-Fremont/NW 18th: Service has been eliminated on North Kerby Avenue and North Russell Street. The line now uses a new loop via North Fremont Street to improve overall travel speed and efficiency.
• Frequency Reductions: Lines 8, 48, 75, and 76 are operating with reduced frequency. Commuters on these routes may experience longer wait times, particularly during early morning hours and after 6:00 PM on weekdays.
• Schedule Shifts: Minor schedule adjustments of up to five minutes have been implemented on Lines 4, 40, 54, and 87 to ensure better timing for connections throughout the Portland metro area.

Commuter Safety Advice

With rain and localized construction, safety is paramount. Speed limits may be reduced in active work zones, particularly on I-84 near McCord Creek where traffic is currently funneled into a single lane in both directions. For those using the I-205 corridor, be mindful of width restrictions near the Abernethy Bridge as expansion work continues toward its late-2026 completion date. Please plan for an additional 15 to 20 minutes of travel time if your route includes these major thoroughfares.