PBOT Traffic Advisory: Critical tunnel repairs require full closure of NW Cornell Road between NW 30th and 53rd avenues starting Monday, Aug. 23

Portland Bureau of Transportation sent this bulletin at 08/17/2021 11:11 AM PDT

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Portland Bureau of Transportation

News media contact:

Dylan Rivera
503-577-7534

dylan.rivera@portlandoregon.gov

@pbotinfo

 

Traffic Advisory:

Critical tunnel repairs require full closure of NW Cornell Road between NW 30th and 53rd avenues starting Monday, Aug. 23

 

Traffic will be detoured via NW Skyline Boulevard and West Burnside Street through Spring 2022

 

(Aug. 17, 2021) Beginning on Monday, Aug. 23, contractors for the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) will close NW Cornell Road between NW 30th and 53rd avenues for essential repairs to the Cornell Tunnels to prevent structural failure and to extend the tunnels’ lifespan.

A large crack near the crown of the western Cornell Tunnel was observed during recent inspections. A 2019 in-depth field assessment and subsequent geotechnical engineering report recommended tunnel lining strengthening to prevent structural failure of the tunnels. This project will provide the recommended tunnel lining strengthening and lining coating and considerably extend the useful life of the tunnels.

In order to complete the needed repairs as safely and efficiently as possible, NW Cornell Road will be closed to thru-traveling motor vehicles for the duration of construction. The road will remain open to pedestrians and people biking, who will be directed to use the existing paved paths that go around the tunnels. Local access will be maintained for residents and businesses located along the corridor, including the Audubon Society and Adams Community Garden.

NW Cornell Road will be closed to thru traffic for all hours on all days, starting August 23, 2021 between NW 53rd and NW 30th avenues. Eastbound traffic will be detoured to NW Skyline Boulevard. Westbound traffic will be detoured from NW 23rd Avenue to West Burnside. The detour is expected to be in place for the duration of construction which is estimated to be complete in Spring 2022.

A map of the NW Cornell Road detours via NW Skyline Boulevard and West Burnside Street

Please travel cautiously, observe all lane closures and directions by reader boards and flaggers, and use alternate routes if possible.

This work is weather dependent and subject to change.

Additional information can be found on the project website at https://www.portland.gov/transportation/pbot-projects/construction/nw-cornell-tunnel-project-tunnel-rehabilitation. Thank you for your patience while we complete these essential repairs.

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the city’s transportation system and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage, and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. portland.gov/transportation