Photo: ODOT
ODOT will reopen the southbound lanes of I-5 through the Rose Quarter a week ahead of schedule, by 5 a.m. Thursday.
Weather cooperated with the project, only causing a one day delay pouring concrete.
Crews of 40 to 50 people worked around the clock for 26 days.
ODOT says the delays on I-5 southbound weren't as bad as they expected. Delays were about 2.5 times normal.
Crews will start restriping the freeway Wednesday at 7 p.m. and the freeway should reopen midday Thursday. During this time, some lanes and entrance ramps will remain closed as crews pick up all equipment and re-stripe the interstate.
There will be short-term closures of the Broadway exit lane, North Going Street on-ramp, North Alberta Street on-ramp, the I-405 southbound split from I-5 southbound (only after I-5 southbound is re-opened), and lanes of the exit ramp from I-84 westbound to I-5 southbound throughout the night as crews remove the temporary striping and reinstall the permanent striping in its original configuration.
Travelers are advised to use caution, obey speed limits and give workers space to safely finish work. TripCheck.com will have the latest information for route planning. The Oregon Department of Transportation will send an alert when I-5 south and all on and off ramps are completely open from N.E. Killingsworth Street south to the OMSI/City Center exit.
Next year, the northbound lanes get the same treatment.