St. Johns Bridge Nightly Closure and Slick Roads Highlight Saturday Commute

Morning Traffic and Weather Outlook

Commuters in the Portland metro area should prepare for damp and potentially slick conditions this Saturday, February 21, 2026. After a week that saw significant winter weather disruptions, the forecast today calls for persistent light rain with a 74% chance of precipitation throughout the day and into the evening. Temperatures are expected to remain cool, hovering between 40°F and 45°F. While the major snow and ice threats from earlier in the week have largely subsided, residual dampness and low temperatures in the West Hills and higher elevations may still lead to isolated slick spots. Drivers are encouraged to maintain safe following distances as roadway visibility may be reduced during heavier showers.

Major Road Closures and Infrastructure Projects

Several significant construction projects and maintenance closures will impact travel across the region today and tonight. Travelers should take note of the following major updates from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and local agencies:

• St. Johns Bridge (US 30 Bypass): Tonight marks the final night of a scheduled series of full nightly closures for bridge inspections. The bridge is expected to close to all traffic starting late this evening, with the inspection period concluding early Sunday morning. Motorists should use the Fremont Bridge as an alternate route.
• US 30 (NW St. Helens Road): Ongoing safety improvements between NW Bridge Avenue and NW Kittridge Avenue continue to cause minor delays. Expect periodic lane closures and pedestrian detours as crews work on repaving and signal replacements. Delays are generally estimated at under 20 minutes.
• West Linn and I-205 Ramp Impacts: Significant ramp closures are scheduled for tonight near the Abernethy Bridge. The OR 43 southbound off-ramp to I-205 northbound and the OR 43 northbound lanes will be closed starting at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM respectively, with some restrictions remaining in place until 8:00 AM Sunday.
• Historic Columbia River Highway: A section of US 30 between Multnomah Falls and the Oneonta Trailhead remains closed to all users, including vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, for long-term repairs expected to last through Spring 2026.

Public Transit and TriMet Service Alerts

TriMet is currently operating on its standard Saturday schedule, but several service alerts are in effect for bus riders. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) continues to prioritize emergency transit routes following the week's weather. Commuters using the following bus lines should check for specific detour information:

• Line 72 (Killingsworth/82nd Ave) and Line 77 (Broadway/Halsey): Both routes are currently experiencing multiple active service alerts due to localized road conditions and ongoing construction.
• Line 44 (Capitol Hwy/Mocks Crest) and Line 71 (60th Ave): These routes are also reporting moderate disruptions and detours.
• MAX Light Rail: Rail service is currently running near-normal schedules, though riders should remain alert for minor delays at major transfer points like the Gateway Transit Center and the Rose Quarter due to recent maintenance activities.

Overall, while no major freeway-wide closures are affecting I-5 or I-84 during daylight hours today, the evening closures of the St. Johns Bridge and West Linn ramps make early travel planning essential for those navigating North and South Portland.