Oregon Democrats in the House passed a transportation funding package that raises about $4.3 billion over ten years through increased taxes and fees, including a gas tax hike and vehicle fees, to fund road, bridge, and transit projects, with the plan now heading to the Senate amid bipartisan support and concerns over oversight and fiscal impact.
The Oregon Department of Transportation plans to lay off over 600 workers due to a lack of funding after lawmakers failed to pass a transportation package, leading to a significant budget shortfall and potential special legislative session.
All southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in Portland, Oregon were closed for emergency bridge joint repair after a failure was discovered. Traffic is being diverted onto southbound Interstate 405, and the closure may last until midnight. The Oregon Department of Transportation stated that the issue is due to regular wear and tear, with no expected structural damage, and crews are working to repair the joint to ensure safety for drivers.
A protest caused the closure of Interstate I-405 South in Portland for several hours on Saturday afternoon, leading to significant traffic delays and backups. The protest, reportedly in support of Gaza, resulted in the closure of all lanes at the intersection with US 26 at Everett. The Oregon Department of Transportation reported that the protest caused delays on I-5 South and Rosa Parks Way, but the highway had reopened by 4:30 p.m.
Oregon transportation officials are preparing to close Interstate 84 on Tuesday due to an impending ice storm in the Columbia River Gorge, with the National Weather Service issuing a warning for significant snow and ice. The Oregon Department of Transportation is closely monitoring the situation and is likely to shut down the interstate before the storm hits. Drivers are advised to avoid travel if possible and to take precautions as the region braces for hazardous weather conditions.
Drivers were stuck for hours on Interstate 5 south of Eugene due to winter weather causing icy conditions, leading to crashes and traffic blockages. The Oregon Department of Transportation required chains on sections of the highway, but many vehicles without chains spun out, exacerbating the gridlock. The severity of the storm hampered driving conditions, and an increased number of commercial vehicles not using chains contributed to the situation. Oregon State Police have begun issuing citations for drivers not using chains in required areas, and officials urged people to stay off the roads due to expected icy conditions.
Salem residents prepare for an upcoming ice storm by stocking up on essentials and taking precautions, recalling the challenges faced during the 2021 ice storm. With school closures and concerns about power outages, residents are bracing for the impact of the storm, while the Oregon Department of Transportation urges people to stay off the roads due to the hazardous conditions.
The Oregon Department of Transportation is working tirelessly to clear roads in the Willamette Valley, which has been blanketed in snow and ice due to freezing temperatures. Crews are on 12-hour storm shifts to address challenging conditions, with many highways affected and some sections closed due to downed trees. Motorists are advised to delay travel and check TripCheck.com for the latest traffic information.