Bringing Change To the Quarter

Safely connecting communities today while investing in people for a better tomorrow

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Project Improvements

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A new highway cover over I-5 that will reconnect local streets and create new community spaces on top for future development and economic opportunities.

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A new east-west roadway crossing over I-5 that will reconnect Hancock Street across the highway, adding another crossing north of Broadway/Weidler.

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A variety of street improvements for people walking, biking and rolling.

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A car-free bridge that will create a new path over I-5 to connect with the walking and biking network.

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Ramp-to-ramp connections on I-5 between I-84 and I-405, paired with wider shoulders, that will improve safety and reduce congestion at the state’s top bottleneck. An estimated one-third of traffic will be able to stay on these ramp-to-ramp connections to travel between interstates instead of merging and causing congestion and safety issues.

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Relocation of the I-5 southbound off-ramp from Vancouver/Broadway to the south, connecting with NE Williams Avenue and NE Weidler Street.

In response to public comments made during the project’s Supplemental Environmental Assessment, a new design dubbed the “Flyover” will reroute two-thirds of the I-5 off-ramp traffic to the east of I-5. This design makes walking, biking and rolling safer; reduces car and transit delays; supports redevelopment opportunities for the Albina community and maintains similar Moda Center event access.

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Please note that this graphic is conceptual, and the project design and cover shape may change as design progresses.

Did you know?

I-5 between I-84 and I-405 is the top traffic bottleneck in Oregon and the 28th worst freight bottleneck in the nation as of 2021.

This section of I-5 has 3.5 times more crashes than the statewide average and some of the highest traffic volumes in the state.

In the project area, there is an average of 12 hours of congestion each day. As congestion and safety issues increase, travel on I-5 between I-84 and I-405 becomes less reliable for drivers and freight movement.

The highway lacks full shoulders in many spots, making it difficult to clear accidents and for emergency vehicles to respond quickly.

Safe and accessible bike and pedestrian facilities are lacking on neighborhood streets in the project area, making it challenging to navigate for people walking, biking and rolling.

Project Timeline

Timeline of the project schedule

2017: Oregon legislators pass House Bill 2017 which partially funds the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and ODOT initiate the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review process.

2018: City of Portland adopts the Central City 2035 Plan and 2035 Transportation System Plan, both of which include the project. In addition, Metro includes the project in its 2018 Regional Transportation Plan.

2019: ODOT and FHWA release the NEPA Environmental Assessment (EA) followed by a 45-day public comment period.

2020: ODOT issues notice of intent to award a Construction Manager/General Contractor. ODOT and FHWA prepare a Revised Environmental Assessment, and FHWA signs a Finding of No Significant Impact for the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project.

2021: ODOT releases an updated design package reflecting community input from the 2019 Environmental Assessment, an Independent Cover Assessment and an Environmental Peer Review. Project advisory committees recommend adoption of the Proposed Hybrid 3 Cover Concept design option as an outcome of the Independent Cover Assessment process.

2022: ODOT and FHWA release a Supplemental Environmental Assessment incorporating the new design package updates, followed by a 50-day public comment period.

2023: In response to public comments made during the project’s Supplemental Environmental Assessment comment period, ODOT implemented design refinements. These involve a new flyover southbound I-5 off-ramp and a bicycle/pedestrian-only bridge over I-5 near the Moda Center that will enhance safety by reducing conflicts between cars and trucks and people walking, biking or rolling in the area.

Project Next Steps: With the available funding, the project is currently focusing on the following priorities: completing the environmental review process, advancing Early Work Packages A and B to 100% design, advancing Early Work Package C toward final design, and advancing the Main Construction Package to 30% design.

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HISTORY IN ALBINA
AND LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

During the 1950s and 60s, construction of the federal interstate system displaced more than a million Americans and had a profoundly negative impact on communities of color.

In Portland, generations of Black families in the Albina neighborhood still experience the lasting harm from the loss of their homes, businesses, places of worship and social gathering spaces. The construction of I-5, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Portland Public School headquarters and "urban renewal" projects divided and displaced communities in North and Northeast Portland.

Watch and listen to the Voices of Albina

Success Stories

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Call us at 503-470-3127 or email us at i5rosequarter@odot.oregon.gov with any questions or comments. We make every effort to respond to inquiries within five business days.

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