Reduced Lanes on I-84 and New TriMet Schedules Impact Sunday Travel

Sunday Traffic and Transit Overview

As we head into Sunday, March 8, 2026, Portland commuters should prepare for significant infrastructure-related impacts on major arteries and a new landscape for public transit. With several multi-year projects in high gear, navigating the city requires extra planning today. Travelers are advised to check real-time maps before heading out, as construction schedules remain subject to weather conditions.

Major Highway Disruptions: I-5 and I-84

The I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project continues to be a primary source of disruption in the central city. While major overnight work is largely concentrated on weeknights, ongoing Phase 1A construction has left the corridor in a state of transition. Travelers should remain alert for shifted lanes and temporary barriers near the I-84 and I-405 junctions. Furthermore, the I-84 off-ramp to the Moda Center and Oregon Convention Center remains subject to intermittent closures for sign bridge construction as part of this safety overhaul.

East of the city, the replacement of the aging McCord Creek Bridge near Warrendale is creating a significant bottleneck. On I-84, only one lane remains open in each direction between the Sandy River and Multnomah Falls. Drivers heading through the Columbia River Gorge should anticipate delays of up to 20 minutes and are encouraged to travel during off-peak hours to avoid the worst of the Sunday afternoon congestion.

Local Roadworks and Detours

• NE Glisan Street: The Portland Bureau of Transportation is active between NE 82nd and 92nd Avenues. Expect outer lane closures and a total block of NE 84th Avenue at Glisan for stormwater infrastructure and ADA-compliant sidewalk updates.
• 257th Avenue: Safety improvement work in Multnomah County involves concrete repairs on sidewalk panels today. Drivers should follow all traffic control signals and plan for minor delays near the corridor.
• SE Johnson Road: In Clackamas County, SE Johnson Road remains closed to through traffic between SE Thiessen and SE Clackamas Roads for waterline relocation. Local access is maintained, but all other vehicles must use posted detours.

TriMet: Second Round of 2026 Service Cuts

Riders are reminded that the second round of TriMet’s 2026 service reductions took effect on March 1. These changes are part of an agency-wide effort to address a substantial budget gap and will impact Sunday morning and evening routines.

• Reduced Frequency: Lines 8, 48, 75, and 76 are seeing less frequent arrivals today. Specifically, buses on these lines will arrive less often before 10 a.m. and late in the evening.
• Route Changes: Line 24 (Fremont/NW 18th) has been streamlined and no longer serves North Kerby Avenue. Additionally, Line 17 has permanently moved to the Steel Bridge, replacing Line 70 service on portions of NE 33rd Avenue.
• Event Travel: Fans heading to see the Portland Timbers today can take advantage of free transit to Providence Park if they possess a valid match ticket, providing a stress-free alternative to downtown parking.