The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced that sections of the Morrison Bridge will be closed overnight from May 27 to May 30 for regular inspections, with potential detours marked for nighttime drivers. In a recent bulletin, ODOT notified Portland commuters to expect closures starting at 10 PM each evening, with the inspected areas reopening by 5 AM the following morning, per the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The scheduled closures will impact various ramps including the southbound I-5 ramp to eastbound SE Belmont Street on May 27-28 and the westbound I-84 ramp to northbound I-5 on May 28-29, along with the westbound SE Morrison Street ramp to northbound I-5 on May 29-30, while signaling potential detours a fourth night on May 30-31 if needed to wrap up the inspection work. ODOT conducts these inspections every two years, and in special cases, such as incidents causing possible damage, it ensures bridge safety and functionality.
Detailed closure information, subject to shifts due to weather or other unpredictable conditions, has been released for those planning nighttime travels across the Morrison Bridge during the specified period; detour routes will be provided. Following the inspections of Morrison Bridge, ODOT has laid out a summer inspection plan for other bridges in the area, which includes the Marquam Bridge from June 16-20, and the Fremont Bridge (I-405) with separate nights for upper and lower decks slated for July 6-11, followed by day lane closures on the Steel Bridge scheduled for July 18-22.
Portland area drivers are advised to factor a bit more time into their travel plans if the Morrison Bridge is part of their late-night route; each closure starts at 10 PM and is aimed to conclude by the opening hour of 5 AM—traffic patterns will be adjusted accordingly. Detour signs will guide drivers during these gaps in bridge connectivity. The regular maintenance and inspection of such critical infrastructure is a testament to ODOT's commitment to the safety and reliability of the travel routes that stitch together this ever-bustling cityscape.
