Summertime closures and detours to make way for a new roundabout near I-205 Abernethy Bridge
Part of the improvements involves closing OR 43 between Willamette Falls Drive and freeway ramps in both directions, along with northbound I-205 Exit 8 and the on-ramp from OR 43.
To support continued work on the Abernethy Bridge and its adjacent on-ramps and off-ramps, several closures in West Linn are occurring between now and the end of August. These closures support critical work on the new roundabout connecting OR 43 and northbound I-205, which is a critical safety improvement and key component of the Abernethy Bridge construction project.
There will be multiple closures between now and early September. Some of these closures will be short and only last overnight, while others will be full closures spanning multiple weeks. In both instances, detours will be signed, and ODOT is working with jurisdictions to minimize negative local impacts. Signed detours will be in place, and it is strongly recommended to factor in additional travel time during these periods.
The long-duration closures happening this summer are:
July 21 – August 4 – The elevated ramp from northbound OR 43 to northbound I-205 closes. During this time, traffic accessing northbound I-205 will use a signed detour via southbound I-205 to exit 6 (10th Street) to get onto northbound I-205. This detour has been used many times before. After August 28, vehicles headed to northbound I-205 from northbound OR 43 will use the new roundabout.
August 4 – August 28 – Northbound I-205 exit 8 closes along with OR 43 in both directions between Willamette Falls Drive and the southbound I-205 ramps. This closure will result in five detours depending on drivers’ destinations and direction of travel. These detours will be signed and a map is available on the project website.
While localized traffic impacts are unavoidable, the Abernethy Bridge construction project is making every effort to minimize inconvenience, including coordinating with local jurisdictions and modifying signal timing at selected locations. Additionally, the work schedule is designed so the closures are eliminated before Labor Day and the start of the new school year.
ODOT appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding during this time. We know this project has required multiple closures at various times, but our crews are working as efficiently and safely as possible. In fact, the recent closure of the OR 43 on-ramp to northbound I-205 ended two days ahead of schedule, thanks to our crew’s diligent efforts.
When this project is completed in 2025, users will benefit from a wider, earthquake ready Abernethy Bridge, along with safer and more efficient on- and off-ramps. To see how the new roundabout will function, please see this animation on the project website, and if you’re unfamiliar with how roundabouts speed traffic flow and enhance safety, please review this video and factsheet.
In addition to closures and detours this summer, from now until Oct. 15, crews are working to build the last in-water temporary work bridge, which will allow the completion of the last four shafts in the river. As a result, people near the work site may hear piledriving and feel vibrations as this important work is undertaken. We know this is inconvenient and we appreciate your understanding.
To help you plan your travel during construction season, please sign up for project text messages and email alerts. For more updates on the Abernethy Bridge construction project, follow ODOT's Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Additional Project Updates
Changes are underway for the I-205 Toll Project and the second phase of construction planned for I-205. In May 2023, Governor Kotek responded to legislative concerns regarding equity and diversion in the toll program and directed ODOT to delay the collection of tolls until 2026. In addition, the governor directed ODOT to provide a finance plan for the projects within the Urban Mobility Strategy that will be impacted by the delay in toll revenue. This includes the I-205 Improvements Project.
In response to community feedback and because of the delay in toll revenue, we are indefinitely postponing the second phase of construction for I-205. We will complete construction that is already underway for the Abernethy Bridge, which is scheduled to conclude in 2025. In 2026, we will implement tolls, pending federal review, to help pay a portion of the construction costs for the Abernethy Bridge.
During this time, ODOT is gathering more feedback from interested parties and developing strategies to respond to many of the primary concerns expressed during the recent comment period for the I-205 Toll Project Environmental Assessment. The community has asked for more information about how local roads and neighborhoods will be affected by tolling, options for mitigating negative local impacts, as well as how tolls will work for people with lower incomes, and options for improving transit, among other concerns. More information will be provided to answer these questions as we move forward. Thank you to everyone who has shared their opinions. More information on these changes will be released soon.