Drivers who rely on Portland’s Morrison Bridge are in for a rough commute this weekend. The bridge will close to all motor vehicles starting at 9 p.m. Friday, July 24, and is set to reopen at 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 28. While crews tackle a concentrated strengthening project that requires a full traffic shutdown, the span will stay open for people walking and biking. Anyone traveling between downtown and Southeast Portland should plan for delays and pick a backup route now.
What's Closing and When
According to Multnomah County, the bridge will be off-limits to all motorized vehicles from 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Tuesday. Cyclists and pedestrians, however, will still be allowed to cross throughout the closure. This weekend’s lockdown is part of a summer-long strengthening campaign on the Morrison’s approaches and lift span, bundled into a smaller number of intense work windows so crews can get in, do the heavy work, and clear out.
What Crews Will Do
As reported by KPTV, crews will install titanium rebar to beef up the southeast approach ramps at SE Morrison and SE Belmont streets, and will repair bearings, motors, and other machinery that raise and lower the lift span. Most of that reinforcement happens underneath the ramps, county officials say, though joint repairs will require workers to access the bridge deck. The tightly packed schedule is designed to limit how many times the bridge has to shut down completely, while still clearing the way for heavier freight traffic once the upgrades are complete.
Traffic Impacts and Detours
Late-night closures tied to the project are already showing up on state traffic feeds. TripCheck lists the I-5 southbound Exit 300B off-ramp to the Morrison Bridge among the affected ramps. Drivers on I-5 and surrounding arterials should expect detours, lane shifts, and slower travel times during the work window. Freight haulers who usually roll through overnight would be wise to check TripCheck and carrier notices before heading out.
Why It Matters
Multnomah County’s project information notes that the work is aimed at removing current weight limits on heavy trucks and keeping the movable span reliable, with an estimated price tag of about $4 million. Officials say the upgrades will stretch the life of the 66-year-old bridge and cut down on emergency fixes by tackling known structural and mechanical weak spots now. For schedules, contacts, and project updates, see Multnomah County.
