While it's pretty normal to increase road repairs during the summer/dry season, Oregon has put off a lot of significant repairs for a long time. The legislature passed a landmark transportation package last year of $5.3 billion. It's long overdue and will be welcome when things are done. But there will be temporary pain this particular summer like nothing we've seen before.

If you are a guest to our state, consider taking MAX and WES, our trains. You can even pick a hotel along a train line (check yelp, tripadvisor or travelportland for suggestions). If driving, don't just rely upon your mapping software. There are lane closures and full night-time closures on both I-5 and I-205 planned at various points. The closures of the ramps between I-5 and I-84 will be a nightmare, and three of those ramps will be a 24/7 closure (but not all at the same time, see link).

Also, if you are driving to/from Seattle--this could be really ugly for you, depending on when you pass through here.Taking Amtrak or a local flight, combined with MAX might be preferable.

Summary:
https://www.oregonlive.com/expo/erry..._be_awful.html

Oregon Trip check for current road conditions (Under quick links at left, select Portland Metro):
https://tripcheck.com/

Download a map from here:
https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Pages/ConstructionMap.aspx

This one will be particularly bad. I-84/I-5 ramps
https://www.oregon.gov/odot/projects...?project=19531

And maybe this I-205:
I-205 Paving & Auxiliary Lanes

Can I tag on please... even here in Seattle there are many inconvenient road closures that a visitor might find themselves in without warning.

Like the off-ramps on I-5 being closed at 9pm on various dates that i'm seeing signs for up often lately. Could really foul up someone's plans, even just going from downtown after dinner to an outlying neighborhood.

Suze, I think this would be great. If you have any links for people to check dates, please add them.

WSDOT - Downtown Seattle and SODO Construction Update

Does anybody have information on how to get to PDX the easiest? I have an early morning flight on 7/12 and had planned to leave at 2:30 am, drive on 217 to I-5 South, then north on I-205 to PDX. Now I am reading that I-205 will have some closures and detours during the night. I don't think I am able to handle anything other than a straight drive to PDX! Trying to get taxi info now!

Hey, Cat's Pajamas:

No, you don't want to take I-205 at that time. Lanes will be shut down. There are definitely ways to get there. Do you use a mapping app or Garmin? If not, you might rather order a taxi or Uber.

If you want me to send you a route, though, message me.

Good to know about I-205! Thanks. I have a Lyft coming for me!