UPDATE: Bridge will remain open to pedestrian, cyclist and train traffic
News media contact: David House
Aug. 13, 2025
PORTLAND – Regularly scheduled bridge inspections will require daytime closures to vehicle traffic in each direction of the Steel Bridge during the week of Aug. 18-22.
We will not close both northbound and southbound OR 99W at the same time during the inspection work. The bridge will remain open to pedestrian, train and cyclist users, and TriMet will adjust bus routes for each day’s closure.
Plan a little extra time into your trip for a detour during the week if you drive on OR 99W and the Steel Bridge, or plan to take an alternate route. Before you hit the road, visit TripCheck.com for the most current travel conditions on Oregon highways.
Detours
- When the northbound OR 99W lane is closed for inspection, the detour will use the Broadway Bridge to cross the Willamette River from the west side to the east side of Portland.
- When the southbound OR 99W lane is closed, the detour will use the Burnside Bridge to cross from the east side to the west side.
ODOT is required to inspect bridges regularly every two years, and the Steel Bridge is due this summer for one of these regular inspections. ODOT also inspects a bridge anytime there is an incident that can cause damage such as a crash, landslide or flooding.
ODOT funding crisis
Due to ongoing funding challenges, we are delaying or canceling some maintenance activities. ODOT is experiencing a significant and immediate funding shortfall that is resulting in staff layoffs and reduced capacity across the agency. Without new revenue or flexibility in spending, ODOT is forced to make deep cuts and lay off hundreds of people to stay within its budget.
Some critical maintenance and preservation activities, like this one, will continue to ensure the safety of the transportation system. These efforts may still be delayed, take longer to complete, or be limited in scope due to reduced staffing and resources. We will continue to do everything possible to prioritize safety and minimize disruptions, but we ask for your understanding and patience as we work through these unprecedented constraints.
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