ODOT warns of multiweek I‑5 closures, Abernathy Bridge work to continue into 2027

ODOT area manager Paul Scarlett told the C4 Executive Group that a series of major regional projects will affect travel across Clackamas County this fall. "There'll be major closures, 5 weeks closures of the southbound," Scarlett said, noting an intensive closure window starting Sept. 11 tied to bridge sign installation and other work in the Rose Quarter/I‑5 corridor.

Scarlett reviewed several projects: continued reconstruction and girder work on the I‑205 Abernathy Bridge (anticipated into 2027), exploratory repairs and joint replacements at the Boone Bridge near Wilsonville, and the eastbound McCord Creek bridge replacement on I‑84 (fabrication delays moved the expected opening from July to Labor Day). He said crews will schedule heavy, disruptive work at night where possible but that some daytime lanes and weekend closures are unavoidable.

Why it matters: C4 members emphasized that closures on I‑5 and diversion to local roads will create ripple effects across the county. Councilor Anne Chevlin and others thanked ODOT for geotechnical testing and urged continued coordination on noise, property impacts and traffic mitigation. C4 asked ODOT to follow up with details on adjacent utility work and neighborhood impacts.

The presentation did not include final traffic control plans for all projects. Scarlett said ODOT will continue outreach and provide project‑level notices as closures approach.