A major landslide has shut down Northwest Cornell Road between the tunnels east of the Bird Alliance of Oregon, snarling a key West Hills route and cutting off access to the popular wildlife facility from the Portland side of the hill.
The slide dropped trees and power lines across the roadway, making the stretch too dangerous for drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians. Access to the Bird Alliance campus is currently only possible from the west, and officials are urging everyone else to steer clear, expect detours, and plan for extra travel time on nearby connections.
ALERT: Cornell Road CLOSED for major landslide between the tunnels, east of the Bird Alliance of Oregon. Access to that facility from the west only. Trees and power lines make the area dangerous. Avoid the area. Use alternate routes. https://x.com/i/status/2037555318658646514
— Portland Bureau of Transportation (@PBOTinfo) March 27, 2026
PBOT issues alert as crews respond
In an advisory on X, the Portland Bureau of Transportation said the closure is limited to the section "between the tunnels" and warned that the combination of fallen trees and downed power lines makes the area hazardous. PBOT is urging people to avoid the scene entirely and stick to alternate routes while crews work.
The bureau also noted that the Bird Alliance facility can only be reached from the west until the mess is cleared, which leaves anyone approaching from the city side out of luck for now. PBOT did not give an estimated time for reopening. For the most current information, officials direct travelers to check the PBOT post linked above.
Recent storms have destabilized slopes
Heavy rain earlier this month has already taken a toll on West Hills slopes, triggering multiple slides and closures along the corridor. A mudslide shut Northwest Cornell Road in the same general area in mid March. FOX 12 Oregon documented a mudslide on March 12 that closed the road near the Bird Alliance of Oregon.
Oregon Public Broadcasting also reported flood watches and slope failures tied to that same storm system, underscoring how saturated and unstable the terrain has become in the area.
Impacts for the Bird Alliance and neighbors
The Bird Alliance of Oregon wildlife care center, located at 5151 NW Cornell Road, typically sees a steady stream of animal drop offs, staff, and volunteers. With access limited to approaches from the west, regular appointments and urgent wildlife drop offs could be disrupted while transportation crews and utilities make the area safe.
People with animals that need immediate care are urged to check the Bird Alliance website or call ahead before heading to the center, to confirm both access and hours while the closure is in effect.
Safety and travel tips
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management advises staying well back from any downed trees or power lines in the slide zone, at least several dozen feet, and calling 911 to report the hazard. Officials stress that people should not try to move debris or handle wires on their own.
If a power line falls on your vehicle, the agency recommends remaining inside and waiting for emergency responders unless the vehicle is on fire. Travelers heading into the West Hills are encouraged to monitor updates from local authorities and follow all posted detours while crews work to stabilize the slope and clear the road.
