One lane on the southbound span will remain closed for a week as crews replace a median on the bridge
VANCOUVER — The Northbound span of the Interstate Bridge reopened a day early on Saturday, following completion of a project to replace a cracked trunnion on the lift span along I-5.
Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced early Saturday morning that the project had wrapped up ahead of schedule. One lane was opened northbound overnight, and the remaining two lanes opened several hours later.
"We owe a big thanks to the traveling public for their patience, understanding and willingness to modify their travel habits during this closure of the northbound span,” said Rian Windsheimer, ODOT regional manager for the Portland area. “While the most impactful phase is now behind us, we’re not done yet. You’re going to see further lane closures and bridge lifts in the coming weeks as we complete work on both spans.”
Crews have now closed the left lane on the southbound span of the bridge so work can begin to reconnect the median barrier to the bridge structure. That closure will be in place around-the-clock for a week.
Drivers should also expect occasional overnight lane closures, bridge lifts of up to 30-minutes on the northbound span, and nighttime ramp closures between Marine Drive in Portland and SR-14 in Vancouver as crews work to wrap up the project.
The sidewalk on the northbound span will remain closed, potentially through Saturday, Oct. 4. Bicyclists and pedestrians can continue to share the southbound span.
Traffic during the closure of the northbound span was largely better than expected, with most delays out of Vancouver happening in the afternoon.
For updated travel times and closures, visit Tripcheck.com, or wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts.
