Photo: WSDOT
The nine-day closure of the northbound span of the I-5 Interstate Bridge is set to begin at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
The closure will bring with it the possibility of nine days of major congestion throughout the Portland and Vancouver area.
Travelers should be prepared. Consider delaying or shifting trips, taking transit, or working from home or another location if possible. Make a plan and not only will you help your own commute but maybe help reduce congestion for everyone else as well.
The northbound span is 103 years old and this closure is needed to replace some of those original components. This is early 20th century technology with clanging steel, blaring horns and a system of pulleys and cables that raise and lower the bridge. These parts perform an essential function in keeping the bridge operating and keeping river traffic moving on the Columbia River.
If drivers change their traveling habits, it's possible to reduce the amount of potential congestion throughout the region. So make your alternate travel plan now, check TripCheck.com (and WSDOT alerts in Washington) and feel confident that you can make it to your destination on time.