(May. 17, 2022) With structural repairs to both tunnels now complete, the final stage of construction has begun on the NW Cornell Tunnel project. This week, crews from the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) contractor and Portland General Electric began work to power the tunnels’ new LED lighting systems. Once the new lighting is powered and operational, both tunnels can be safely reopened. PBOT expects to be able to fully reopen both tunnels this June.

Until the tunnels reopen, NW Cornell Road will remain closed to thru-traveling motor vehicles and detours will remain in place. 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. Eastbound traffic is detoured to NW Skyline Boulevard. Westbound traffic is detoured from NW 23rd Avenue to West Burnside.

These repairs were necessitated by the discovery of a large crack near the crown of the western Cornell Tunnel in 2019. Subsequent geotechnical engineering recommended lining the tunnels to prevent structural failure. Once complete, these repairs will considerably extend the useful life of the tunnels.

The project team would like to thank Portlanders for their patience during these extensive repairs.

To learn more about the project, detours, or to receive construction updates, visit http://www.portland.gov/transportation/cornelltunnels