Oregon, Washington Interstate Connection Restricted

Portland, Oregon -- Whether you're a commuter, tourist or long-haul trucker, travel on Interstate 5 between Oregon and Washington this September is going to be difficult. That's when the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) closes half of the Interstate 5 bridge between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington for emergency repairs. The project to replace a cracked axle-like steel structure, or trunnion, will require complete closure of the northbound bridge for 21 consecutive days beginning September 16. During the repair, northbound traffic will shift to share the southbound lanes.

Traffic impacts will affect both states' transportation systems for a 20-mile radius. Traffic congestion on and in the vicinity of the bridge is expected to be considerable with the possibility of several, mile-long traffic queues, or back ups.

So what's a motorist to do?

The Oregon and Washington departments of transportation encourage commuters who rely on the bridge to get to and from work to temporarily adopt a transportation alternative -- transit, carpool, train or work at home.

The best way for tourists to visit or pass through the area is by way of the alternate routes. Transportation officials also suggest avoiding the Monday through

Friday peak commute times. Weekends should not be as restrictive. Tourist attractions in both states can be found along many of the alternate routes.

ODOT suggests that truck drivers stick to the alternate routes unless their pick up or delivery requires travel on the bridge or in the project corridor; and, should that be necessary, a flexible delivery schedule should be considered.

Commute options, alternate routes or construction information is available by calling (toll free) 1-800-722-6557. Also, contact ODOT's web page at http://www/odot.state.or.us for more detailed information about the project and outreach efforts.

Note: Please consult Oregon and Washington state maps to select an alternate route.

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