Jun 2, 2025 - News

Long bridge delays expected during Fleet Week Portland

Kale Williams

Two military ships sit at anchor along the Portland waterfront during Fleet Week. — Big boats, bridge lifts and bad traffic. Photo: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

It's Fleet Week, and that means big ships — and big traffic headaches — are heading our way.

Why it matters: Several of the main bridges over the Willamette will see extended lifts as the vessels make their way into town, and starting Tuesday evening, the Steel, Broadway and Burnside bridges will close to traffic for longer than usual to accommodate the ships.

Zoom in: On Tuesday, three ships are expected to arrive between 3pm and 6pm, with bridge lifts of up to 45 minutes.

Wednesday, four more ships will be motoring toward downtown Portland between 4pm and 8pm.
All the ships will be departing Monday, with frequent lifts, and traffic delays, expected.

Plus: The Steel Bridge's lower deck — limited to bicycles and pedestrians — will be closed from 10am to 5pm Tuesday and Wednesday or until the last ship arrives.

It may also close for the same hours on Thursday if any of the ships show up late.
And it will close again at 6am Monday until all the ships have departed.

Yes, but: Once the ships are docked, you can tour a number of vessels from the U.S. and Canadian navies, the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Tours are available first-come, first-served from 10am to 4pm, though lines can get long so get there early.

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Long bridge delays expected during Fleet Week Portland

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