Full Breakdown
ODOT Stages Tow Trucks on I-405 to Mitigate Five-Week I-5 Closure
9/9/2026, 5:32:13 PM
Core Event
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced that it will position tow trucks and response crews along Interstate 405 while southbound Interstate 5 through Portland’s Rose Quarter is closed for an estimated five-week period. The closure begins Friday night and is expected to cause a substantial increase in traffic on nearby routes, especially I-405.
Background & Context
Southbound I-5 will be shut down for construction work, prompting officials to urge drivers to use alternate corridors such as I-405, which could experience traffic volumes up to three times normal levels during peak periods. ODOT expects commutes to be two to three times longer than usual and advises motorists to plan routes ahead of the first affected weekday travel day, which falls on the Monday after the closure starts.
Official Statements & Responses
ODOT spokesperson Rose Gerber explained the agency’s proactive stance: “In the event of a disabled vehicle or crash, ODOT will have tow trucks staged along the interstate to be able to remove vehicles quickly,” — Rose Gerber, ODOT spokesperson She added that maintenance patrols will monitor the highway and coordinate with emergency responders to clear incidents quickly, urging drivers to move over for flashing emergency lights.
Impact on Commuters
Transportation planners anticipate severe congestion on I-405, with peak-hour travel times potentially tripling. The agency recommends using real-time traffic apps, considering public transit, or taking longer but less congested routes. Drivers who encounter a disabled vehicle or crash are asked to pull over safely to allow tow crews swift access.
Guidance for Drivers
- Review alternate routes before the first affected commute.
- Stay alert for tow trucks and emergency responders on I-405.
- Follow any posted signage and move over for flashing lights.
- Monitor local traffic reports for updates on lane closures or delays.
By staging tow trucks and maintaining close coordination with emergency services, ODOT aims to limit additional delays and keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible during the extended I-5 shutdown.
