Traffic Briefs: Semi-truck catches fire on I-84; Drainage delays to hit N.E. 238th

Semi-truck fire blocks I-84 lane

Nearly 10 miles of traffic was backed up in the Columbia River Gorge Thursday, July 18, after a semi-truck became engulfed in flames.

In the late morning a commercial truck caught fire travelling eastbound along Interstate 84 near milepost 36, a few miles past the Multnomah Falls parking lot. The incident left a smoldering wreck in the middle of the lane that partially closed the roadway and led to the traffic jam.

Corbett Fire & Emergency Services responded to the blaze, which also sparked some grass along the roadway. The U.S. Forest Service and Oregon Department of Transportation aided in clearing the wreckage.

Drainage improvements to close N.E. 238th lane Monday-Wednesday

Expect traffic delays early next week as Multnomah County crews improve drainage systems along Northeast 238th Drive. The work will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, July 22-24, with a southbound lane of 238th closed just past Northeast Arata Road.

The closure will be 500 feet to allow for equipment to be setup. The west sidewalk will also be closed, with pedestrians needing to be detoured. Drivers should expect delays while the work is ongoing.