Project-Details

I-205 Widening and Seismic Improvements: Stafford Road to OR 213

Design Phase

Region 1: Portland metro and Hood River County (Oregon City, West Linn, Clackamas)

ODOT is designing the I-205 Widening and Seismic Improvements Project, which will address congestion and traveler safety issues on a seven-mile stretch of I-205 between Stafford Road and OR 213. The project adds a third lane in each direction and upgrades the Abernethy Bridge and the eight other I-205 bridges in the project area to withstand a major earthquake.

Find out more at: www.i205corridor.org

Impacts

Traffic Impact

RealTime sign construction has begun and will continue through fall 2020. Traffic impacts include:

All lanes will remain open during the day.
There will be nighttime lane closures.
Some full nighttime closures of I-205 will occur to install sign structures, and will include signed detour routes. These closures will occur in 2020 and we will share more information on the closures as it becomes available.
To receive up-to-date email notifications on traffic impacts, please sign up for our email list at www.i205corridor.org/contact-us.

Schedule

This project has two phases of construction:

The installation of five traveler information signs throughout the corridor. Construction has begun and will continue through fall 2020. A benefit of installing these signs now is that they will be operational before, during and after future construction work.
The I-205 Abernethy Bridge widening and seismic upgrades, OR 43 interchange improvements, freeway widening between Stafford Road Interchange and OR 213, bridge upgrades and replacements, and sound walls construction. We anticipate construction to begin in 2022 and continue through 2026, pending funding.

Details

About

More than 100,000 vehicles use this section of I-205 each day and drivers experience 5 ½ hours of congestion daily. This project will help relieve congestion by adding a third lane in each direction on a seven-mile stretch of I-205 between Stafford Road and OR 213.

The Abernethy Bridge, which crosses the Willamette River between West Linn and Oregon City, and the eight other I-205 bridge sites along this stretch of highway are vulnerable to severe damage or collapse in the event of a major earthquake. ODOT has designated I-205 as a statewide north-south lifeline route, which means it must be operational quickly if an earthquake renders other roadways unusable or impassable. It will be a critical route in getting supplies and services to the region.

This project will upgrade these bridges so they can withstand a major earthquake.

Some of the current issues include:

The two-lane section of I-205 between the Abernethy Bridge and the Stafford Road interchange creates a bottleneck that causes congestion and crashes, creating delays for travelers and freight.
Closely spaced on-ramps on I-205 northbound on the Abernethy Bridge contribute to safety and travel-time predictability issues
The Abernethy Bridge and eight bridge sites in the project area are seismically vulnerable in the event of a major earthquake.

Location

I-205 | Stafford Rd to OR 213

Cost and Funding

This large project is fully funded for design. Construction of the RealTime Signs is fully funded and will begin in fall 2019 and includes the installation of five traveler information signs throughout the corridor. ODOT is exploring funding options for construction of the remaining portions of the project and adjusting timelines accordingly. We expect this project to cost about $500 million.

Benefits

Adding a third lane on I-205 in each direction between Stafford Road and OR 213 will improve traffic operations and reduce vehicle crashes. The improvements will make I-205 a consistent three-lane interstate in each direction from the Columbia River to I-5.
Provides a consistent 3-lane freeway in each direction from the Columbia River to I-5.
Seismically upgrading the Abernethy Bridge and all other I-205 bridges within the project limits ensures the corridor functions as a statewide north-south lifeline route after a major earthquake.

Find out more at: www.i205corridor.org

Contacts & Media

Project Contact

Community Affairs Coordinator: Ellen Sweeney
Email: Ellen.SWEENEY@odot.state.or.us
Phone: 503-731-8230

Last Updated

11/22/2019 2:26 PM

Project Number

19786