Slick Roads and Glisan Street Construction to Impact Monday Commute

Morning Traffic Overview

Commuters in the Portland metro area should prepare for a challenging drive this Monday morning, March 9, 2026. Current weather conditions are bringing light rain across the city, leading to slick pavement and reduced visibility. The National Weather Service has noted that while accumulating snow is unlikely in the lowlands, a colder airmass is moving in, and higher elevations such as the West Hills may see slushy patches. Drivers are urged to increase following distances and account for slower travel times through the morning peak as wet conditions persist.

Major Roadworks and Arterial Closures

Several significant construction projects and maintenance operations are impacting traffic flow today across the city. Motorists should be particularly aware of the following zones:

• NE Glisan Street: The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has officially begun the NE Glisan Pave and Paint Project. Travelers should expect construction activity and lane reconfigurations between NE 82nd and 92nd avenues. Currently, the outer eastbound travel lane is closed from 82nd Avenue to 85th Avenue. Additionally, NE 84th Avenue is blocked at the Glisan intersection, requiring local detours for both pedestrians and vehicles.
• I-84 Repairs and Hazards: Maintenance crews are scheduled to begin repairs on approximately 60 streetlights along Interstate 84 this week, specifically near the I-84 and I-205 interchange. This follows recent copper theft that left a stretch of the highway in the dark. While work is ongoing, drivers should exercise caution in this high-speed transition area. Further east, the McCord Creek Bridge replacement continues to restrict I-84 to a single lane in both directions near Warrendale.
• I-405 Downtown Restrictions: Starting today, the I-405 northbound Exit 1B off-ramp to 4th Avenue is restricted to a maximum width of 13 feet. This restriction is in effect at all hours and is expected to last through mid-March.
• Interstate 5: While major nighttime closures for the Rose Quarter Improvement Project have concluded for the morning, ongoing seismic retrofitting near Greeley Avenue may still cause localized congestion during the merge.

Public Transit and Commuter Rail

TriMet is advising riders to prepare for potential weather-related delays. Heavier periods of rain can lead to slower bus and MAX trips, and operators are asking riders to give extra space at stops when conditions are wet. The MAX Red Line has experienced intermittent delays of up to 25 minutes recently due to operating issues, so those traveling to Portland International Airport should plan for extra travel time. Additionally, riders should note that final proposals for 2026 service changes, which may impact several local bus lines, are scheduled for release later this week.