Commuters on Interstate 84 should brace for snarled traffic as the McCord Creek Bridge project triggers lane reductions beginning this Thursday. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced that the thoroughfare will be constricted to a single lane in each direction through late 2025, in an effort to replace the bridge which spans near Warrendale, roughly 7 miles west of Cascade Locks. The endgame is a safer, more earthquake-resilient highway with an extended lifespan.
For those regularly traversing eastbound on I-84, they've likely spotted the existing closure at McCord Creek that's been causing a bottleneck since early September. Crews have already been hard to drill beneath the eastbound bridge, laying the groundwork for the eventual shift of eastbound vehicles to the westbound bridge in the coming spring of 2026. The newly closed westbound lane will allow workers to start erecting a retaining wall and ready the area for the anticipated cross-traffic flow.
What this means for daily travel is a prolonged period of traffic restrictions. "Around-the-clock single-lane and shoulder closures on I-84 eastbound and westbound at McCord Creek through late 2025," states the advisory from ODOT. For those entering the freeway from NE Frontage Road, the usual on-ramp at Elowah Falls Trailhead parking lot is off-limits; detours redirect them to the Ainsworth State Park on-ramps (Exit 35). And in the spring of 2026, prepare to share the westbound bridge, with I-84 temporarily downsizing to just one lane each way.
In light of the impending congestion, ODOT advocates for zipper merging as the tactic of choice. This technique encourages motorists to "remain in their current lane until the lane ends so traffic can take turns merging," which is intended to effectively make use all the available road space and diminish the risk of backups and collisions. For further tips on this method, ODOT provides a guide in their Summer Safety Driving Tips annex. As a precaution, ODOT urges travelers to be on the lookout for signs and barriers in construction zones, comply with speed limits, and allow extra time for potential delays. "Expect delays—plan for them—and leave early so you can drive safely through the work zone," they advise.
For updated traffic conditions and construction developments, ODOT encourages commuters to check in at TripCheck.com or dial 5-1-1. Stay informed by subscribing to the Region 1 newsletter for the latest news and information.
