Full Breakdown
I-5 Southbound Closure: Traffic Outlook and Construction Progress
By Drooid · · How we work
Traffic Conditions on Monday and Outlook for Tuesday
During the first weekday of the five-week southbound I-5 shutdown, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) reported that Monday-morning traffic was “fairly average.” Congestion was limited to pockets near Lombard Street on I-5 and on the Fremont Bridge. Boulevard experienced the most slowdown, with additional delays on southbound Interstate Avenue, Vancouver Avenue, Albina/Mississippi and eastbound Going Street toward I-5.
Preliminary data from the preceding Saturday showed traffic volumes on I-405, I-205, I-84 and I-5 were about 10 % lower than the average of the prior four Saturdays, suggesting drivers are heeding earlier warnings, altering travel times, or using alternate routes. ODOT cautioned that patterns remain unclear and said Tuesday typically brings more hybrid-work commuters, which could increase volumes.
Construction Milestones and Upcoming Work
ODOT confirmed crews completed micromilling—removing the top concrete layer—early Monday morning. Hand tools are now being used to finish concrete removal in areas the machine could not reach, and repairs to the underlying structural layer are underway. The next major step will be hydroblasting, employing high-pressure water to clean the surface before new concrete is poured, a task ODOT expects to start in about a week.
The project also includes extending the southbound auxiliary lane between the Moda Center entrance and the I-84 exit. This extension is slated for completion by the end of 2027 after northbound paving finishes, aiming to reduce merging and weaving in the corridor.
Official Guidance for Drivers
Gerber, speaking for ODOT, urged commuters to continue the strategies that have kept traffic manageable and to allow extra travel time. ODOT recommends checking navigation apps before departing and considering alternatives such as bus, MAX light rail, carpooling, or biking where feasible.
