Morrison Bridge to Face Lane Closures and Delays Tuesday and Wednesday

Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, August 12th 2025 at 11:14 GMT by Oregonian
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The Hawthorne Bridge will also have a lane closed on Wednesday.

Expect Travel Lane Closures, Delays on Morrison Bridge Tuesday, Wednesday

Motorists and commuters in the Portland area should brace for disruptions on the Morrison Bridge this week, as maintenance work is set to cause lane closures and potential delays. According to transportation officials, the bridge, a key artery connecting downtown Portland to the east side, will undergo essential repairs that necessitate restricting traffic flow. Specifically, the closures are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, impacting both directions of travel. This comes as part of ongoing efforts to maintain the structural integrity of one of the city's oldest and most utilized river crossings.

The Morrison Bridge, originally opened in 1958, spans the Willamette River and serves as a vital link for thousands of daily commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians. It carries vehicles on Southeast Morrison Street and Southwest Alder Street, feeding into major routes like Interstate 5 and U.S. Route 26. Over the years, the bridge has seen its share of wear and tear due to heavy usage, weather exposure, and the natural aging of its lift span mechanism. Multnomah County, which owns and operates the bridge, has emphasized that these upcoming closures are proactive measures to address routine maintenance needs, including inspections of the deck, joints, and electrical systems that control the bridge's movable sections.

Details of the closures indicate that work will begin early Tuesday morning, around 7 a.m., and continue through the evening, potentially wrapping up by 5 p.m. each day. However, officials have noted that timelines could shift depending on weather conditions or unforeseen issues discovered during the repairs. On Tuesday, expect the right lane in the eastbound direction to be closed, affecting traffic heading from downtown toward Southeast Portland. This could lead to backups, especially during peak morning and afternoon rush hours when volumes are highest. Commuters are advised to allow extra time for their journeys, with delays potentially adding 10 to 20 minutes to typical crossing times.

Wednesday's schedule mirrors Tuesday's but shifts focus to the westbound lanes. The left lane will be closed, impacting those traveling from the east side into downtown. This setup is designed to minimize overall disruption by staggering the work across directions, but it still poses challenges for the bridge's average daily traffic of over 50,000 vehicles. In addition to lane restrictions, there may be intermittent full closures of the bridge for short periods—lasting no more than 15 minutes at a time—to allow crews to safely maneuver equipment or perform critical tasks. Flaggers and signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zones, and speed limits will be reduced to 25 mph in affected areas to enhance safety.

For cyclists and pedestrians, the news is somewhat better: the bridge's dedicated paths are expected to remain open, though users should exercise caution around construction zones. Multnomah County has coordinated with TriMet and other transit providers to ensure that bus routes crossing the bridge, such as lines servicing the Central Eastside and downtown, are not severely impacted. However, riders might experience minor delays if buses are caught in vehicular backups.

This maintenance is part of a broader initiative by Multnomah County to upkeep its portfolio of Willamette River bridges, which includes the Hawthorne, Burnside, and Sellwood bridges. The Morrison Bridge has a history of periodic closures; for instance, similar work in recent years addressed seismic retrofitting and painting to prevent corrosion. Officials stress that skipping such maintenance could lead to more significant problems down the line, potentially resulting in emergency shutdowns that would cause far greater disruptions. Funding for these projects often comes from a mix of local taxes, state grants, and federal infrastructure dollars, underscoring the importance of investing in aging transportation assets.

To mitigate the impact, drivers are encouraged to consider alternative routes. The nearby Hawthorne Bridge, just a short distance south, offers a parallel crossing and is not scheduled for any work this week. Similarly, the Burnside Bridge to the north could serve as a detour, though it too sees heavy traffic. For those able to adjust their schedules, traveling outside of peak hours—before 7 a.m. or after 6 p.m.—might help avoid the worst of the congestion. Real-time updates will be available through the county's transportation website, apps like Waze or Google Maps, and local traffic radio reports. Multnomah County has also set up a hotline for inquiries, urging the public to stay informed.

Beyond the immediate inconveniences, these closures highlight larger issues in Portland's infrastructure landscape. The city has been grappling with increasing demands on its bridges amid population growth and urban development. Environmental factors, such as the Willamette River's fluctuating levels and occasional flooding, add complexity to maintenance efforts. Advocates for sustainable transportation point out that incidents like this underscore the need for expanded public transit options, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly designs to reduce reliance on personal vehicles.

In preparation for the work, crews have already begun staging equipment on the bridge approaches, and advance warning signs have been posted along major feeder roads like Naito Parkway and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Safety remains a top priority, with workers equipped with high-visibility gear and barriers in place to separate them from live traffic. The county has assured that emergency vehicles will have priority access, and any ambulances or fire trucks needing to cross will be expedited.

Looking ahead, Multnomah County plans additional maintenance on the Morrison Bridge later in the year, potentially including overnight closures to minimize daytime impacts. For now, though, the focus is on completing this week's tasks efficiently. Commuters are reminded to drive patiently, obey all signage, and consider carpooling or remote work options if feasible. By staying vigilant and planning ahead, the community can navigate these temporary hurdles with minimal frustration.

This isn't the first time the Morrison Bridge has required such attention, and it likely won't be the last. As one of Portland's iconic structures, it plays a crucial role in the city's connectivity. The current work, while disruptive, is a necessary step to ensure its longevity and reliability for years to come. For more details or updates, check official county resources, and remember: a little preparation goes a long way in keeping Portland moving.

Read the Full Oregonian Article at:
[ https://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/2025/08/expect-travel-lane-closures-delays-on-morrison-bridge-tuesday-wednesday.html ]

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Morrison Bridge to Face Lane Closures and Delays Tuesday and Wednesday

Expect Travel Lane Closures, Delays on Morrison Bridge Tuesday, Wednesday