Portland's Broadway Bridge is scheduled to close to all vehicle traffic for six months starting October 13 for major repairs. The closure will significantly impact travel to the Moda Center, affecting attendees of Portland Trail Blazers games, concerts, and other major events.
According to Multnomah County, the project involves replacing the deck on the bridge's moveable lift spans. While vehicles will be rerouted, the bridge's south sidewalk is expected to remain open for pedestrians and cyclists for most of the construction period.
Key Takeaways
- Closure Duration: The Broadway Bridge will be closed to vehicles for six months, beginning October 13.
- Main Impact: Access to the Moda Center and the Rose Quarter will be disrupted for drivers.
- Public Transit Changes: Portland Streetcar and TriMet Bus Line 17 will operate on modified routes. MAX light rail service is not affected.
- Alternate Crossings: Drivers are advised to use the Steel Bridge or the Fremont Bridge as primary alternate routes.
Details of the Bridge Closure
The six-month closure of the Broadway Bridge is a necessary step for critical infrastructure maintenance. Multnomah County, which manages the bridge, has confirmed that the primary goal is to replace the aging deck on the lift spans to ensure the bridge's long-term safety and functionality.
The project is scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 13. During this period, no private or commercial vehicles will be permitted to cross. Commuters and visitors, especially those heading to events in the Lloyd District, should prepare for significant changes to their travel plans.
A Historic Portland Landmark
The Broadway Bridge, opened in 1913, is one of Portland's oldest and most iconic bridges over the Willamette River. It is a Rall-type bascule bridge, a design that allows the spans to lift for river traffic. This repair project is part of ongoing efforts to maintain the city's historic infrastructure.
While the closure primarily targets vehicular traffic, access for other modes of transport will be maintained. The county has stated that the south sidewalk will stay open for pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals using mobility devices throughout the majority of the project.
Alternate Routes for Drivers to Moda Center
With the Broadway Bridge unavailable, drivers heading to the Moda Center will need to use other Willamette River crossings. Officials recommend planning ahead, allowing for extra travel time, and considering public transportation alternatives, particularly on nights with large events.
Using the Steel Bridge
The most direct alternative for many drivers will be the Steel Bridge, which carries Highway 99W. This route provides close access to the Rose Quarter. However, transportation officials warn that this bridge will likely experience a significant increase in traffic volume.
Drivers should anticipate potential backups, especially when event start times coincide with the evening rush hour. Leaving early is strongly recommended to avoid missing the start of a game or concert.
Using the Fremont Bridge (I-405)
Another primary alternative is taking I-405 across the Fremont Bridge. From there, drivers can connect to Interstate 5 (I-5) South and use the Rose Quarter exit (Exit 302A). This route may also see increased congestion, particularly on I-5 near the exit. Travelers should check traffic conditions before departing.
Increased Traffic Expected
With thousands of vehicles displaced from the Broadway Bridge daily, transportation models predict a notable increase in congestion on the Steel and Fremont bridges. Commuters who do not need to travel to the Rose Quarter are encouraged to use other bridges like the Burnside or Morrison to help ease congestion near the arena.
Impact on Public Transportation
The bridge closure will cause significant modifications to some public transit services, though the MAX light rail system will not be affected. TriMet and Portland Streetcar have released details on the temporary changes.
Portland Streetcar Service Changes
The Portland Streetcar will be heavily impacted as it normally uses the Broadway Bridge to complete its loops. During the six-month closure:
- The A and B Loop routes will be combined into a single, modified route.
- Streetcars will no longer cross the Willamette River. Instead, they will turn around in the Pearl District on the west side and the Lloyd District on the east side.
- The streetcar stop at Northwest 9th and Lovejoy will be closed for the duration of the project.
Riders should consult the Portland Streetcar schedule for updated information on arrival and departure times for the modified route.
TriMet Bus Rerouting
TriMet has announced that Bus Line 17 will be rerouted. Instead of crossing the Broadway Bridge, buses on this line will use the Steel Bridge to serve the stop on the south side of the Moda Center.
A TriMet spokesperson confirmed the new route, noting that several Line 17 bus stops will be temporarily closed to accommodate the change. These include stops at NW 6th & Flanders, NW Broadway & Irving, and NW Irving & 6th.
Importantly, other bus lines serving the Rose Quarter Transit Center, including lines 4, 8, 35, 40, 44, and 77, will continue to operate on their normal routes.
MAX Light Rail Remains Unaffected
The MAX Blue, Green, Red, and Yellow lines all cross the Willamette River on the lower deck of the Steel Bridge. Because the Steel Bridge will remain open, no disruptions to MAX service are expected. This makes the MAX a reliable option for traveling to the Moda Center during the construction period.
Access for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Multnomah County has prioritized maintaining access for pedestrians and cyclists. The south sidewalk of the Broadway Bridge will remain open for the majority of the six-month project.
However, officials noted there may be brief, intermittent closures of the sidewalk during the first week of the project, starting October 13. These temporary closures are necessary for crews to balance the bridge and install scaffolding safely. During these short periods, the bridge lift span will be in the fully open (raised) position, and no traffic of any kind will be allowed to cross for safety reasons.
Cyclists and pedestrians seeking to cross the river during any temporary sidewalk closures can use the nearby Steel Bridge, which has dedicated walking and biking paths.
