When the temporary walls come down in a few months and the last of the construction dust is vacuumed out of its signature carpet, Portland International Airport will look and feel a lot different.

Why it matters: The last phase of the yearslong construction might not have the "wow" factor of the main terminal's soaring roof that debuted in 2024, but it might do more to improve the experience of travelers passing through the airport.

State of play: Most of the recent construction has focused on the north and south ends of the main terminal.

• Currently, arriving passengers must take long bypasses that can add up to 10 minutes of walking time to get around the construction.

• Crews have been busy revamping both ends of the terminal to streamline that process with much more direct routes straight from the gate to baggage claim and ground transportation outside.
• The two areas will keep with the general theme of the rest of the airport, with live trees and small touches of the Pacific Northwest sprinkled throughout.

What they're saying: "With the opening of phase two, which is the second 30% of the project, you'll see continuation of the theme of a walk in the forest," said George Seaman, project manager for the entire renovation.

Flashback: When the airport fully reopens this summer, it will be the culmination of a $2 billion makeover that took more than a decade from design to completion.

• The main terminal, completed in 2024, is now a gleaming cathedral to all things northwest — the ceiling made of sustainably harvested Oregon and Washington timber, the living trees and skylights that let in just enough sun.

What to expect: In addition to shorter walks and streamlined exits straight to baggage claim, the new concourses will have more seats and areas for friends and family to await arriving passengers.

• Some businesses that have been confined to kiosks — Powell's Books and Straightaway Cocktails, for example — will spread their wings in full-sized storefronts.
• Several new restaurants and newsstands are expected as well along with 10 new permanent art installations.

The bottom line: After more than half a decade of construction at PDX, we're ready to be done. The end is in sight.

• The bypasses will be gone by next month, with construction to be fully completed by June.

Tell a weary traveler

That new restaurant you've been meaning to try? March may be the time to finally book a reservation.

The big picture: More than 100 of the city's top dining establishments are participating in Portland Dining Month, where exclusive, limited-time prix-fixe meals featuring either three or five courses will be served up at a fraction of the cost.

• The coordinated, city-wide, push, sponsored by Travel Portland, returns for the first time since 2020. It aims not only to help fill tables during the industry's slow season, but to remind people how stacked the city's dining bench actually is.

Best bites: The line-up features neighborhood pasta joints (Ava Gene's, Hey Luigi, Campana, Sunday Sauce), bustling French bistros (Normandie, Canard), street-style Thai favorites (Yaowarat, Farmhouse Kitchen, Phuket Cafe) and so much more.

• Some participating restaurants will feature their menu's greatest hits, while others are using the opportunity to showcase new, specialty dishes.
• Each menu includes at least an appetizer, entree and dessert, with three- or five-course options, priced at $35 or $55.

If you go: Portland Dining Month runs throughout March. Reservations are encouraged.

• Diners can preview participating restaurants and menus online.

The bottom line: If your winter routine has been heavy on takeout and light on reservations, consider this your nudge.

💰 City councilors again delayed a decision on how to spend millions in housing money that was discovered unspent within the housing bureau over the last several months. (OPB)

🏗️ Crews begun demolishing parts of Washington Square Mall in Tigard to make way for a new sports center, upgrades to the shopping center's food court and updates throughout the mall's interior. (The Oregonian)

🤒 The growing number of measles cases in Oregon prompted health officials to describe the case count, which stands at five, as an "outbreak." (KOIN)

🎂 Nana's Exquisite Confections, a mail-order and farmers market staple, opened its first brick-and-mortar location on Northeast 82nd yesterday. (Bridgetown Bites)

More new moms are having kids solo in their 40s, a trend that is reshaping how families are built in the Beaver State.

By the numbers: In Oregon, 1.3% of babies were born to unmarried women 40 and older in 2024 — more than double the 0.49% in 2007.

What they're saying: "The majority of our members are having children via fertility [treatments]" and are in their "30s and 40-plus," said Kat Curtin, director of the international Single Mothers by Choice support group.

• Members typically have "dated, come into their career, come into their life" and are ready to start a family, she said.
• "You don't go down this path and be confident that you can raise a child by yourself unless you have a level of independence and resiliency."

Keep reading

Bruce Springsteen is coming to Portland this spring and bringing along the E Street Band as part of his "Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour," which kicks off next month.

It's poised to be one of the city's biggest live-music draws of the year and tickets go on sale tomorrow at noon (get your digital elbows out).

The theme of the tour, and its first two stops — Minneapolis and Portland — don't seem to be a coincidence. The cities have been focal points for increased federal immigration enforcement by the Trump administration, of which Springsteen has been a vocal critic.

• "We are living through dark, disturbing and dangerous times," Springsteen said in a press release, "but do not despair – the cavalry is coming!"
• The tour is aimed at being a celebration and "in defense of America."

If you go: Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band will perform at Moda Center on April 3 at 7:30pm. Get tickets tomorrow.