The Portland Gridlock Alert: 5 Major Road Closures You Must Avoid Right Now (December 2025)

Navigating the Rose City's roadways on this December 17, 2025, requires a strategic mindset, as a confluence of critical infrastructure projects and immediate freeway closures are tightening the grip of Portland's notorious traffic congestion. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) are managing several major, long-term construction projects—from seismic upgrades on vital bridges to comprehensive street maintenance—all while handling sudden, high-impact ramp shutdowns that can paralyze the morning and evening commute. Commuters who lost an average of 72 hours to congestion in 2024 are strongly advised to check real-time maps and plan alternative routes immediately, as key arteries are currently affected.

The core challenge for drivers today is not just the volume of traffic, but the sheer number of high-impact closures across all major transportation modes: interstates, bridges, and primary city avenues. This detailed guide breaks down the five most critical closures and construction zones currently impacting the Portland metro area, providing you with the essential information to save time and avoid the worst of the gridlock.

The Freeway Chokepoints: I-5, I-84, and I-205 Major Closures

Portland's freeway system is under intense pressure from long-term seismic and modernization projects. The most immediate concern is the intermittent closure affecting the crucial interchange between Interstate 5 (I-5) and Interstate 84 (I-84), a primary gateway to and from downtown Portland and the Columbia River Gorge.

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Immediate High-Impact Closure: I-5 to I-84 Ramp

• Location: I-5 Northbound (NB) Exit 300 off-ramp to I-84 Eastbound (EB).
• Status: Intermittently closed, effective today, December 17, 2025.
• Duration: Expected to be completed by December 22, 2025.
• Impact: This closure significantly affects traffic flow heading east out of downtown and the central city, pushing vehicles onto surface streets and creating backups on I-5 itself. ODOT has warned that traffic modeling shows congestion from this type of closure can back up as far east as Troutdale.

The I-205 Improvements Project (Abernethy Bridge)

The I-205 Improvements Project, specifically Phase 1A focusing on the Abernethy Bridge, remains a massive, multi-year undertaking that continues to cause daily disruptions. The project aims to seismically retrofit and widen the bridge, making it the first seismically resilient crossing in the area.

• Location: I-205 corridor, particularly the Abernethy Bridge near West Linn and Oregon City.
• Current Impacts: Travelers should expect ongoing lane, shoulder, and ramp closures throughout the project area. Nighttime lane closures are common, especially on the northbound and southbound lanes near the bridge.
• Local Impact: The Jon Storm Park parking lot, situated directly under the Abernethy Bridge, is closed for the duration of the construction, impacting local access and recreation.

In addition to these major projects, ODOT is conducting weekly maintenance that includes nighttime single lane closures on I-5 Southbound (SB) between the I-84 exit ramp and other sections, typically occurring during the week of December 13-20, 2025.

Critical Bridge Blockades: The Broadway Bridge Shutdown

One of the most significant long-term closures affecting commuters and multimodal transportation is the complete shutdown of the Broadway Bridge, a vital crossing between downtown Portland and the Lloyd District.

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Broadway Bridge Lift Deck Replacement

The Multnomah County project to replace the lift spans of the Broadway Bridge deck is a major infrastructure investment that requires a full closure of the structure.

• Location: Broadway Bridge (connecting NW Portland/Pearl District to NE Portland/Lloyd Center).
• Status: FULL BRIDGE CLOSURE.
• Duration: October 13, 2025, through April 11, 2026.
• Alternative Crossings: Drivers must redirect to the nearby Steel Bridge or Fremont Bridge. This has increased congestion on all surrounding downtown bridges and surface streets, including NW Broadway and N Williams Avenue.

NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Bridge Repairs

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is also addressing necessary maintenance on the NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Bridge, which is a major north-south corridor. Repairs focus on expansion joint replacement, a critical safety measure. While not a full closure, the work will involve lane restrictions and may impact TriMet bus service, requiring riders to check service alerts.

City Street Projects: The 82nd Avenue Overhaul

Beyond the freeways, PBOT is heavily invested in improving the safety and condition of major city corridors. The "Building a Better 82nd" initiative is one of the most prominent ongoing projects, impacting thousands of local drivers and residents in East Portland.

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82nd Avenue Major Maintenance

This comprehensive project covers 2.5 miles of NE/SE 82nd Avenue, focusing on safety upgrades, paving, and maintenance improvements. The sheer length and duration of the work make it a perpetual source of delay for local traffic.

• Location: NE/SE 82nd Avenue (various active work zones).
• Impact: Contractors are active in multiple zones, but PBOT is committed to keeping at least one lane open in each direction on 82nd Avenue.
• Detours: Drivers should expect lane closures and detours on adjacent side streets as crews work on drainage, sidewalks, and other infrastructure. This forces local traffic to use parallel routes like NE 60th Ave or SE 122nd Ave, increasing congestion there.

The Commuter Survival Guide: Essential Tips to Navigate Portland's Construction Chaos

With major road closures on I-5, I-84, I-205, and the Broadway Bridge all occurring simultaneously, a flexible and informed approach is essential for any Portland commuter.

1. Embrace Real-Time Navigation and Alerts

Technology is your most valuable tool against unexpected delays. Always use real-time navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps, which incorporate current traffic data and accident reports to provide the most accurate travel times and alternative routes. Many of these apps also integrate PBOT's official road closure information.

2. Prioritize Public Transit (TriMet)

During peak congestion periods, especially when major freeway ramps or bridges are closed, TriMet's MAX light rail and bus system often become the most reliable option. However, even TriMet is facing service changes and budget cuts, so it is critical to check the TriMet Service Alerts page for detours, delays, and planned bus or MAX service reductions that might affect your specific route. The Portland Streetcar is also a viable option for navigating the central city, though it too can be subject to alerts.

3. Utilize Alternative Arterials

When the interstates are gridlocked, especially near the I-5/I-84 interchange, consider these alternative surface streets, though they will also be heavily congested:

• North/South Alternatives: Instead of I-5, use NE/SE 39th Avenue (Cesar Chavez Blvd) or N/NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd (MLK) for north-south travel, particularly in the inner city.
• East/West Alternatives: US 26 (Powell Blvd) or SE Stark Street can provide alternatives to I-84, but be prepared for heavy signal timing delays.
• Bridge Alternatives: With the Broadway Bridge closed, the Steel Bridge and the Fremont Bridge will be the primary relief valves for crossing the Willamette River.

4. Plan for Nighttime and Weekend Disruptions

Most major construction, especially on ODOT freeways, is scheduled for overnight hours or weekends to minimize peak-hour impact. If you must travel late at night (10 p.m. to 5 a.m.) or on a weekend, be aware that full lane and ramp closures are highly likely. Always check the ODOT Region 1 Weekly Construction Update before starting your trip to avoid getting caught in a full freeway closure.

The continuous construction in Portland is a necessary evil, paving the way for a more resilient and modern infrastructure. By staying informed about the critical closures on I-5, I-84, I-205, the Broadway Bridge, and 82nd Avenue, you can significantly reduce your commute time and stress level.