Why Oregon’s Department of Transportation Decided to Completely Shut Down Southbound I-5 Near the Rose Quarter
PORTLAND, OR – The I-5 shutdown in the Rose Quarter is getting closer and ODOT believes a complete closure makes the most sense.
The agency considered several ways to avoid a full I-5 closure, according to interim director Chris Warner.
“Including weekend closures, single lane closures, other options would’ve taken significantly longer and cost more taxpayer dollars,” Warner said.
Warner also says keeping one lane open would mean hours-long traffic jams for up to four months.
“Weekend closures would’ve stretch out for more than two summers,” Warner said. “Both scenarios would lead to a lower quality finished product.”
With no guarantees the road would be open in time for Monday morning traffic each week, Warner adds the decision to do a full, multi-week closure will get the work done faster and provide better results.