I-5 Southbound Closure:

What PPS Families and Staff Need to Know

PPS is working with ODOT, the City of Portland, regional partners and TriMet to minimize impact on schools, students, and staff. Teams are evaluating bus routes, transportation, staffing, and attendance/tardiness considerations.

Latest PPS Update

Bridge Closures Causing Transportation Delays

Sep 23 2026 9:10 AM

The St. Johns Bridge closure, combined with the ongoing southbound I-5 closure near the Rose Quarter, is creating significant traffic congestion and affecting PPS transportation on the west side.

As a result, some PPS bus routes may experience delays of up to one hour. Middle school routes may experience delays of approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

The following routes may be affected:

Ainsworth: 111
Lincoln: 102, 142, 147, 148
Bridlemile: 114, 117
Capitol Hill: 122
Chapman: 121, 125, 149
Middle schools: Routes that also serve a middle school may experience delays of 45 minutes to one hour.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as Transportation works to manage the impacts of these traffic conditions.

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See previous updates

Most Impacted Schools or Routes

Impacted Schools

Boise Elliot
Harriet Tubman
Beverly Cleary
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Jefferson HS
Sabin

Impacted Bus Routes

We anticipate that many bus routes will be impacted by the I-5 southbound closure, resulting in later pickups and arrivals. Students will not be held responsible for transportation-related delays, and schools will be prepared to welcome them when they arrive.