‘Can’t solve everything’: What are authorities doing to stop repeat graffiti on I-84?

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — State and local officials are coordinating efforts to combat graffiti on I-84 after taggers targeted the section of Portland freeway one day after a massive cleanup effort had been completed.

The closure that took place over the weekend addressed not only graffiti but also litter, maintenance and improved lighting. While a lot of good things were completed, Oregon Department of Transportation officials said they’re not surprised some graffiti has already returned.

The 13-hour closure of I-84, which lasted from Saturday to Sunday, was an effort to in part address the prolific graffiti that consumed a stretch of the main highway entering Portland, creating an eye sore and rendering some direction signs unreadable.

“I think we’ve made some significant steps toward improving the I-84 corridor,” said Don Hamilton, an ODOT spokesperson.

Hamilton said half a dozen agencies worked tirelessly to do the maintenance. Even Oregon Governor Tina Kotek took part. However, when KOIN 6 News took a drive just 24-hours after the project was completed, we saw fresh spray paint.

“We can’t solve everything all at once,” Hamilton said. “But what we do know is that we can start to make steps in the right direction on this. We’re going to continue to work with law enforcement also to try to improve this problem.”

Portland police are actively investigating prolific taggers.

“We’re going to keep holding you accountable, you need to stop,” said Nathan Kirby-Glatkowski, a Portland Police Bureau detective.

Holding people accountable is one thing. However, KOIN 6 wanted to know what authorities are doing to prevent the graffiti from happening in the first place.

“I think a lot of folks in the city, county and state are trying to find more regulatory solutions such as how do we constrain the supply of paint? How do we make people more accountable for this crime? How do we make the laws more robust around graffiti?” Kirby-Glatkowksi said.

These agencies admit graffiti is a tough crime to crack.

“We can never promise that graffiti will not be returned in this corridor,” Hamilton said. “But we can promise that we’re going to do everything we can to make sure that this going to get better.”

KOIN 6 also talked to the Central Eastside Industrial Council, a collective of Portland businesses. They said they applaud the efforts to mitigate some of the chronic tagging and vandalism.

“We need more leadership like this to address an issue that has become quite pervasive, affecting not only our highways… but also the business community and the visitor experience,” said Carolyne Holcomb, executive director of the council.

KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this story

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