Five-mile stretch of I-84 to be closed 13 hours for graffiti, litter removal

Travelers beware — a major overnight closure is planned along Interstate 84 next weekend that will close rail and highway traffic along a five-mile stretch.

The Oregon Department of Transportation announced a closure from 11 p.m. Saturday, July 13, to noon Sunday, July 14, for graffiti and litter removal. I-84 east and west will be closed from Interstate 205 to Interstate 5.

All on-ramps to I-84 will be closed, as will I-5 north over the Marquam Bridge.

The coordinated corridor cleanup is being done by ODOT, Union Pacific Railroad, Portland Bureau of Transportation, Metro Regional Government, TriMet and Multnomah County. Upwards of 100 workers will join private contractors for the work.

Officials say the work is necessary along a visible stretch of Portland that has been hit hard by graffiti and trash.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience during this 13-hour closure,” said Region 1 Manager Rian Windsheimer. “This is a rare opportunity to have safe access to perform clean-up work in difficult areas and we plan to take full advantage. We look forward to working with our partners to revitalize a highly visible area in Portland.”

Any motorists should use I-205 or local roads. MAX service for Blue, Green and Red Lines through that area will also be shuttered, and may reopen slower than the roadways due to TriMet’s need to reenergize the system.