Sept. 21, 2020

I-5 Interstate Bridge work continues with help of the zipper barrier truck

The zipper truck in action, shifting concrete barriers Sunday. View a video.

Zipper barrier machine changes lane alignment twice a day on the southbound Interstate Bridge span

One of the most unusual sights for people traveling through the Interstate Bridge Trunnion Replacement Project has been the machine that moves the concrete zipper barriers on the southbound span into their proper lane alignment. Twice a day, every day, the machine moves the concrete barriers that separate traffic on the southbound span, picking up the barriers from one lane and setting them out in their new alignment on the other. Around 2 a.m., the barrier machine sets the alignment for the morning commute: two southbound lanes and one northbound. Around noon, it sets up for the afternoon alignment: two northbound lanes and one southbound. Moving 6,400 feet of concrete barrier doesn’t take long, about 20 to 30 minutes, with traffic passing by easily by during the process. The zipper barrier machine does move slowly and travelers should be aware of the barrier moving and use caution when they see and pass the machine.

How’s it going?

• The closure of the I-5 Interstate Bridge northbound span is scheduled for completion by 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27.
• Crews have removed the old cables and sheaves from the eastern side of the tower and are now removing the parts from the west side of the tower. 

• Deliveries of new cables are arriving on site. New parts will be lifted up and prepared for installation.

Reminders for weekday travelers

Plan your travel strategy and check conditions before heading out to help reduce congestion. Expect delays!

Here are a few things to remember about traffic through the work zone:

• Traveling over the Interstate Bridge will look different and the speed limit is reduced to 40 mph through the work zone. Slow down and pay attention to signs and traffic control changes and watch for workers and equipment.
• If heading for downtown Vancouver, the City Center off-ramp (exit 1B) remains open from northbound I-5.
• The ramp from northbound I-5 to SR 14 is closed. The best way to get to SR 14 is to continue north to Fourth Plain Boulevard, cross over the highway and take I-5 south to SR 14.
• The I-5 north off-ramp to Jantzen Beach Center (exit 308) is open. However, the Hayden Island on-ramp to I-5 north in Portland is closed and travelers leaving Jantzen Beach/Hayden Island should follow the signed detour onto I-5 south.
• Bike and pedestrian travelers crossing the Interstate Bridge in both directions are sharing the sidewalk on the southbound span of the bridge. Cyclists, please walk your bike across the bridge to increase safety for all sidewalk users. 
• Know before you go. You can view real-time traffic conditions and road cameras on TripCheck.com in Oregon and wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts in Washington. Expect delays and plan for them.

The closure details

During the Sept. 19-27 nine-day northbound span closure, northbound and southbound traffic will share the three lanes and sidewalk on the southbound span. Movable concrete barriers allow two lanes of traffic in the busiest direction, with two southbound lanes open for the morning commute and two northbound lanes open for the afternoon commute.

The sidewalk on the southbound span remains open at all times for people walking or riding bicycles. View detour information.

During the bridge closure, four ramps in the project area will close for traffic control and to ensure a safe work zone. Signs will direct travelers to detour routes. Learn more on the project website.

Sept. 27-Oct. 4: Lane closure on I-5 south

The left lane on the southbound span will close Sept. 27-Oct. 4 around the clock as crews upgrade the median barrier, remove equipment and wrap up the project.

Other impacts

After the closure, travelers should expect occasional night lane closures on I-5, up to 30-minute bridge lifts on the northbound span and nighttime ramp closures between Victory Boulevard in Portland and SR 14 in Vancouver. 

Learn more

• Go to InterstateBridge.org, the project web site, for maps and detour directions, bike and pedestrian information, travel strategies and other project details.
• Check TripCheck.com for real-time traffic updates in Oregon and wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts in Washington.

• Visit our Flickr for video and photos.

About the project

The northbound span of the Interstate Bridge will close from Sept. 19-27, 2020 as crews replace mechanical parts that help lift and lower the bridge. The Interstate Bridge is located on I-5 where it connects Oregon and Washington across the Columbia River.

The bridge closure is scheduled for September in part due to the low river levels, which allow most vessels to travel under the Interstate Bridge without a bridge lift. This is essential for marine traffic, because the Columbia River is an international shipping channel.

About the bridge

The Interstate Bridge is jointly owned by Oregon and Washington and is maintained and operated by ODOT. The two states are sharing the $13 million cost of this project. The northbound span opened in 1917 and the southbound span in 1958.

Questions or comments

Project hotline: 503-731-8276
interstatebridge@odot.state.or.us

Media inquiries

Don Hamilton: 503-704-7452
don.hamilton@odot.state.or.us

For ADA Title II or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/interpretation services or for additional information call 503-731-4128, TTY (800) 735-2900 or use the statewide Oregon Relay Service: 7-1-1.

¿Habla usted español? Podemos proveer la información en esta publicación en español. Para recibir la información en español, por favor llamé al (503) 731-4128.

WWW.INTERSTATEBRIDGE.ORG