PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Construction to replace a 65-year-old I-5 bridge over Southwest 26th Avenue forced the closure of all lanes this weekend in Portland, forcing motorists to use detours that snarled traffic and frustrated drivers.

This phase of the bridge rebuild, which began in Spring 2023, began Friday night and will continue until 5 a.m. Monday as crews remove the top of the existing bridge over 26th Avenue.

The closure runs southbound between the Southwest Terwilliger off-ramp and the Capitol Highway on-ramp, as well as northbound between the Southwest Barbur Boulevard off-ramp and the Terwilliger on-ramp.

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Don Hamilton with the Oregon Department of Transportation said closing down all six lanes over this 4-mile stretch actually costs less, cuts down on construction time and creates fewer traffic and environmental impacts.

Once it’s replaced, the bridge — which carries 100,000 vehicles per day — will provide a smoother rider and meet current earthquake standards, ODOT said.

KOIN 6 News will have more information later in the night.

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