Project-Details

Traffic Impact

C​onstruction complete on I-5

You can enjoy a smoother ride in southwest Portland!

This important freeway connection now meets current seismic standards and provides a smoother ride to over 100,000 vehicles (average daily traffic count).

SW 26th Avenue Improvements

We improved SW 26th Avenue with better lighting, bike lanes, and sidewalks. Crews built a new structure underneath I-5 and completed the improvements to SW 26th Avenue. A newly paved SW 26th Avenue reopened May 1, 2024.

Crews built new, wider sidewalks, installed ADA-compliant curb ramps, paved and striped SW 26th Avenue with bike lanes. They painted the new structure, installed light fixtures within and planted vegetations on the outside. Boston Ivy (non-invasive) was planted on the outside of the structure to soften the look of concrete, blend in with nearby green space and deter graffiti. The sides of the new structure are filled in, similar to the look of a culvert or tunnel (see photo below).

Above: Building the new structure under I-5.

 

Above: SW 26th Avenue with the new tunnel-like structure, improved sidewalks and newly striped bike lanes, June 2024.

Coordination with PBOT

ODOT coordinated with the Portland Bureau of Transportation on designing the new SW 26th Avenue features. This included connecting to the new multiuse path PBOT built as part of their OR 99W/SW Barbur Blvd Area Sidewalk Infill Project.

​Phase Two: Rebuilding the I-5 bridge deck

After the support structure on SW 26th Avenue was completed, the construction crews began work on I-5, closing the road for one weekend. They demolished the old bridge deck and added new asphalt paving to rebuild the roadway above the new support structure. 

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Above: Crews closed I-5 and began demolishing the bridge deck over SW 26th Avenue on Friday night, June 28.​

Above: Crews nearing the end of the demolition process.

 

Above: Crews preparing the roadway to add new asphalt paving on Saturday, June 29.

Above: Progress of adding new asphalt paving Sunday afternoon, June 30.

Above: A newly paved I-5 bridge deck opened ahead of schedule on Monday morning, July 1.

Above: An improved I-5 over SW 26th Avenue.

Construction Impacts

The I-5 bridge deck was replaced during the weekend closure and nighttime single and double lane closures. 

The construction method selected allowed I-5 to remain open for all but one weekend. It also saved an estimated $5.5 million in costs and six months of construction time, as well as reduced the impact on traffic, reduced nighttime noise, reduced the environmental impact and improved safety for workers and drivers. There's a fact sheet on our website that explains more about why we chose this construction method. ​

Construction began in spring 2023 and continued through 2024.

Meetings and Events

The project team hosted events in person and online during project design and construction. We also attended neighborhood association meetings.

Schedule

Spring 2023: Construction began, SW 26th Avenue closed to vehicle traffic for about a year.

Spring 2024: SW 26th Avenue re-opened on May 1, 2024.

Summer 2024: Rebuilt the I-5 bridge deck with I-5 impacts including a weekend closure of I-5.​​​

About

ODOT improved Interstate 5 over SW 26th Avenue in Portland to ensure its continued reliability for travelers. We replaced the old bridge with a new, improved structure and upgraded SW 26th Avenue with better lighting, bike lanes and sidewalks.

The I-5 bridge over Southwest 26th Avenue was built in 1959 and widened in the 1980s. It carries over 100,000 vehicles per day. Its deck was heavily worn and near the end of its useful life. The new bridge maintains this important freeway connection, creates a smoother ride for travelers and meets current seismic standards.

​Project Area Map

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Location

Cost and Funding

$34 million.

Additional Information

Other Area Projects:

RealTime Signs Ross Island Bridge–SW Terwilliger

ODOT is installing 12 RealTime Variable Advisory Speed (VAS) signs along a busy stretch of Interstate 5 from the Ross Island Bridge to Terwilliger Boulevard. Realtime VAS signs give drivers notice to slow down before they reach a problem area—improving traffic flow and helping to reduce rear-end crashes and congestion. Visit the I-5 ODOT RealTime Signs project website to find out more.

OR 217

This project will improve safety and reduce bottlenecks on OR 217 by adding auxiliary lanes, or ramp to ramp connections, between Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway and OR 99W. Construction is underway on OR 217 and surrounding streets! Visit the OR 217 project website to find out more.

I-205 Abernethy Bridge Project

This project will make the Abernethy Bridge the first earthquake-ready interstate bridge over the Willamette River in the Portland area. We are also improving on- and off-ramps near the bridge, along with making improvements to local bike and pedestrian routes. Visit the I-205 Abernethy Bridge project website to find out more.

OR99W: (Barbur Blvd) SW 26th Way - SW 26th Ave

The 2024-2027 STIP selected this pedestrian safety project for funding. Preliminary information can be found on page 70 of the R1 STIP document.

I-5 Aurora-Donald Interchange at Exit 278

This project is the final phase to build the full diverging diamond interchange. To do this we are replacing the two I-5 bridges at the exit with one new bridge. We’ll also widen and lengthen the freeway ramps to help with queuing. Visit the Aurora-Donald Interchange project website to find out more.

For ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/interpretation services, or more information call 503-731-4128, TTY 800-735-2900 or Oregon Relay Service 7-1-1.

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Project Contact

Community Affairs Coordinator

Ellen Waters

Email

Ellen.WATERS@odot.oregon.gov

Phone

503-731-4812

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