I-5 closure puts pressure on TriMet
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Transit is about to get a bit more crowded. Photo: Courtesy of TriMet
City and state transportation officials have a few simple asks for commuters ahead of the five-week southbound Interstate 5 closure next month: Drive less, work remotely or take public transit.
The big picture: The Oregon Department of Transportation predicts the Sept. 11 shutdown through the Rose Quarter could produce some of the worst congestion the region has experienced, with travel times "two to three times longer" and backups extending into southwest Washington.
- Officials told city councilors during a work session last month that they're counting on travelers to change routes or skip trips altogether to prevent the worst-case scenario.
Yes, but: TriMet, Portland's public transit agency, said it can't promise more frequent bus or MAX service — and buses could get caught in the same traffic mess as everyone else.
- Instead, TriMet chief operating officer Inessa Vitko told councilors the agency will run double-car trains on the Yellow, Orange and Green MAX lines to add capacity and will strategically stage buses across the region if needed.
- When city councilors pressed the agency on whether trains could run more often — particularly for the Yellow Line, which runs parallel to I-5 between the Expo Center and the Rose Quarter — Vitko said, "I cannot commit to frequency at this time."
Vitko cited staffing and fleet constraints, adding that any extra service will depend on how many drivers and vehicles TriMet has available during the closure.
State of play: TriMet is already operating under severe budget constraints, with a roughly $300 million shortfall and more than 400 positions being cut. Service reductions across dozens of bus routes are also set to begin next week.
What they're saying: TriMet spokesperson Tyler Graf told Axios that MAX may be a more reliable option than buses during the closure.
- He pointed to two Park & Rides at the Expo Center and Delta Park/Vanport MAX stations, which have a combined 400-plus free 24-hour parking spots.
- Buses, on the other hand, may be more likely to experience delays as congestion spills onto surface streets.
Follow the money: ODOT officials told councilors the state isn't funding expanded transit service, though it is covering some traffic mitigation, like cameras and signal timers.
- The shutdown is part of the $75 million initial phase of the Rose Quarter project, which includes repairs, maintenance and safety upgrades to I-5.
What we're watching: The closure is still weeks away and plans are evolving. Graf said TriMet will release more information later this month as it coordinates with its regional partners.