Rainy Commute and New I-5 Southbound Restrictions Impact Portland Travelers

Traffic Alert: Rainy Commute and New I-5 Southbound Restrictions in Portland

Good morning, Portland. As we move through Wednesday, March 11, 2026, commuters across the metropolitan area should prepare for a slow and wet drive. Heavy rain is expected to persist throughout the day with an 83% chance of precipitation. Localized ponding on major arteries like I-5 and I-84 is likely, so motorists are urged to increase following distances and account for reduced visibility during the peak morning and evening hours.

Highway and Arterial Updates

Several significant roadwork projects and restrictions are in play today that may impact your route choice. On I-5 Southbound, a new height restriction of 14 feet 7 inches takes effect today at Milepost 301.58. While this primarily impacts freight and oversized loads during the hours of 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, drivers should expect increased signage and potential lane shifts in that area as crews prepare for night work.

For those utilizing the St. Johns Bridge (US-30 Bypass), be advised that the bridge is currently undergoing nightly closures between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM for maintenance. While the bridge is open during peak daytime hours, lingering equipment may cause minor bottlenecking during the early morning transition. Additionally, the I-405 Northbound off-ramp to 4th Avenue (Exit 1B) remains restricted to a width of 13 feet through March 16th, which may slow the flow for those entering the downtown core from the south.

Travelers in Oregon City should also note that while the Highway 99E tunnel has reopened following a rock slide earlier this week, ODOT crews remain in the area for slope monitoring. Expect potential flagging or brief interruptions if further inspections are required during the day.

TriMet Service and Transit Changes

Public transit users are reminded that the March 1st service adjustments are now in full effect. These changes are part of TriMet’s ongoing efforts to address regional budget gaps and may affect your regular timing. Key changes include:

• Line 8 (Jackson Park/NE 15th): Reduced frequency is in effect before 8:00 AM and after 7:00 PM on weekdays.
• Line 48 (Cornell/Hillsboro): Fewer arrivals are scheduled during early morning and late evening windows.
• Line 75 (Cesar Chavez/Lombard): Buses will arrive less often after 6:00 PM on weekdays.
• Line 24 (Fremont/NW 18th): A permanent route change has eliminated service on N Kerby Avenue and N Russell Street to improve transit speed.

Commuters should also be aware that TriMet is scheduled to release its final proposals for the next round of service changes today, March 11. Passengers are encouraged to stay updated via the TriMet app to see how future adjustments might impact their specific lines.

Evening Weather Warning

Looking ahead to the evening, a High Wind Warning has been issued for regions east of the Cascades starting at 8:00 PM tonight. If your commute takes you east on I-84 toward the Gorge, expect southwest winds of 25 to 35 MPH with gusts reaching 60 MPH. High-profile vehicles are advised to use extreme caution as these conditions can make travel difficult through Thursday morning.