Overnight Lane Closures on I-5 and Early MAX Delays Impact Thursday Commute

Morning Commute and Transit Updates

Commuters in Portland are facing a damp and potentially slow start this Thursday morning, January 29, 2026. Real-time reports indicate light rain across the metro area with a 100% chance of precipitation throughout the day. While road surfaces remain mostly clear, the wet conditions combined with early morning transit alerts are necessitating extra travel time for those heading into the city center.

• MAX Blue Line: TriMet reported residual delays of up to 15 minutes for the MAX Blue Line toward Gresham earlier this morning. These delays stemmed from medical activity near the Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave station. While service is stabilizing, riders should check the latest schedules for minor ripple effects.
• Hop Fastpass Maintenance: Commuters are advised that the Hop Fastpass mobile app and fare vending machines underwent intermittent maintenance overnight. While the systems were scheduled to be back online by 4:00 AM, some users may still experience brief connectivity issues this morning.
• Weather Conditions: With temperatures hovering around 46°F and high humidity, visibility may be reduced during the morning peak. Bare pavement is reported on most major arteries, but drivers should be wary of slick spots in residential areas.

Major Roadworks and Highway Restrictions

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) continues several major projects that will impact lane availability, particularly for those traveling after the evening rush. The I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project is currently in a heavy phase of construction, focusing on seismic retrofitting and new stormwater facilities.

• I-5 Central Corridor: Expect overnight lane closures on both Northbound and Southbound I-5 between the Oregon Convention Center and the Burnside Bridge. These closures affect the fast lanes and are scheduled between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM for essential barrier work.
• I-5 South (Terwilliger): Crews are active between the Ross Island Bridge and Terwilliger Boulevard, installing RealTime Variable Advisory Speed signs. Drivers should prepare for short-term overnight lane and shoulder closures in this stretch.
• US 26 Restrictions: Width restrictions are in place on US 26 both eastbound and westbound. Vehicles are restricted to 10 feet in width during nighttime hours (half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise). This restriction is expected to remain in place through the summer.
• I-205 and OR 99E: Nighttime lane closures on OR 99E are scheduled from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM through tonight. Additionally, daytime work on OR 43 Northbound will result in lane closures between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Community Notice: Transit Service Meeting

TriMet is hosting a public meeting today to discuss proposed 2026 transit service changes, which include potential cuts to several bus lines due to low ridership and inflation. The meeting will take place from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the University of Oregon Library Learning Center on NE Liberty Street. Commuters interested in the future of the Green Line and Southeast Portland bus routes are encouraged to attend.