Staycation

GETTING TO YOUR

Beginning Friday night, Sept. 11 and for an estimated five weeks, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will close all southbound lanes of Interstate 5—all hours, all days. The closure is for extensive repairs to the elevated structure just south of the Moda Center. It means significant disruptions for people driving through downtown Portland.

Staycation participants should expect significant traffic impacts as they plan to travel, especially from North and Northeast Portland, to downtown that weekend. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is encouraging everyone participating in PDX Staycation to Shift Your Trip to avoid traffic headaches and get the most out of your weekend.

Below are some ideas to help you enjoy a seamless weekend without having to stress about your travel.

GET TO DOWNTOWN SOONER, LEAVE LATER

You might shift your travel time and show up earlier on Friday, or linger Sunday evening, to explore downtown’s many neighborhoods while skipping peak congestion on the road. Staycation events and businesses span the Central City, from Goose Hollow to the Central Eastside, and from the Pearl District to South Waterfront.

RIDE (OR RENT) A BICYCLE

With Portland’s rainy season just around the corner, this could be your last chance to enjoy a sunny bike ride into downtown along one of Portland’s low-traffic Neighborhood Greenways. Visit the City website for bike and walk maps of Portland to come up with the route that works best for you. 

Worried about what to do with your bike once you get downtown? BIKETOWN and Lime’s electric micromobility devices are the perfect way to get downtown without having to figure out vehicle storage. 

Only joining the Staycation fun on Sunday? Consider riding along with the City-led bike bus.

HOP ON A TRAIN

Staycation is all about seeing your city with fresh eyes, the way millions of international visitors experience the City of Roses each year. Step into their shoes for a weekend and avoid traffic by hopping on a public transit line. Downtown is the largest public transit hub in the region, with MAX light rail, Portland Streetcar, and C-Tran lines ready to zip you to the heart of the action.

Don’t live anywhere close to a transit station? Park your car overnight at a TriMet Park and Ride. For transit updates and service alerts, or to plan your trip, visit TriMet or C-Tran.

TEST OUT THOSE SNEAKERS

With lots of Staycation partners offering special deals on both sides of the Willamette, including in the Lloyd District and Central East Side, take in the splendor of our skyline by walking or biking across our heritage bridges, like the Hawthorne Bridge, or taking the MAX or Streetcar over the Tilikum Crossing.

TREAT THIS AS A PRACTICE

Considering the Interstate 5 closures are expected to last into October, Staycation Weekend is the perfect opportunity to test out new strategies for getting downtown while enjoying the best food, arts, and cultural experiences your city has to offer. What you learn this weekend for fun may be useful the next month for your commute.

WHAT DRIVERS CAN EXPECT FROM THE I-5 CLOSURES:

  • I-5 southbound to be closed between I-405 and I-84.

  • I-5 southbound travel to be detoured to I-405 southbound.

  • Regional traffic to be directed to I-205.

  • One lane to the Broadway/Weidler exit to remain open for local and event center access.

  • On-ramps from Greeley, I-405 northbound/Fremont Bridge and the Moda Center to I-5 southbound to be closed. 

  • I-5 southbound ramp to I-84 eastbound to be closed.

  • I-84 westbound to I-5 southbound to remain open. 

  • I-5 northbound to remain open. 

Learn more about the I-5 closures by visiting the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project website.

For updates and alerts about the project, sign up for the I-5 Rose Quarter mailing list.