Drivers planning to navigate Portland's southbound Interstate 5 this weekend might need to pack some patience. Starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 11, the right lane will be closed until 6 a.m. Monday, July 14, for the construction of new RealTime sign foundations. The lane closure, spanning from SW Corbett Avenue to SW Terwilliger Boulevard, is predicted to significantly slow down traffic. All on and off-ramps will, however, remain open.
Oregon's Department of Transportation (ODOT) is taking steps to improve its "RealTime system to make roads safer and help Oregonians get where they are going," according to their announcement. Travelers are advised to expect delays and are encouraged to use caution when driving through the construction zone. Moreover, similar lane closures are expected to repeat over the next few weeks, with further details to be announced by ODOT.
ODOT is striving to bolster roadway safety and traffic flow by introducing RealTime Variable Advisory Speed (VAS) signs that calculate and display speeds adjusted to current conditions. These signs are designed to leverage data from traffic sensors, weather stations, and cameras to warn drivers about slowdowns ahead, which in turn could reduce the number of rear-end collisions.
In a prolonged effort to enhance the commuting experience, these improvements are part of a larger project expected to continue through fall 2025. ODOT emphasizes the importance of the RealTime signs, stating they help to "Give drivers advance notice about speed changes ahead due to current conditions so they can make real time decisions." Unsurprisingly, construction schedules are subject to shifts, and ODOT urges commuters to stay updated by checking TripCheck.com prior to travel.
