1) OKNA Board meeting
2) I-5 tolling moves forward
3) Closures on I-5
4) Happy July 4!
1) OKNA Board meeting
The Overlook Neighborhood Association Board will meet on Tuesday, July 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Atomic Pizza (1936 N Killingsworth St.). Please note that this differs from our usual meeting place.
At the meeting, the board will discuss several neighborhood items including a request to oppose subdivision of property on the Overlook Bluff in order to secure greater protection for the heritage tree there. We also will receive updates on the upcoming movie in the park, I-5 tolling and Patton Square Park. The meeting is open for the public to attend and observe. View the full agenda online.
2) I-5 tolling moves forward
The Portland Metro Area Value Pricing Advisory Committee on Monday voted to recommend that the Oregon Department of Transportation implement a pilot tolling program on Interstate 5. The committee’s draft report had suggested beginning the tolling at the Alberta/Going exit in Overlook. Read more in this news story.
OKNA Board Chair Chris Trejbal testified at the committee meeting prior to the vote about neighborhood concerns with the plan including safety, cut-through traffic as cars divert off the highway to avoid the toll, and impacts on historically underrepresented communities in North Portland. In a concession to these concerns, the committee changed its recommendation to ask ODOT to study where the best location in North Portland to begin tolling would be. The committee also acknowledged that strategies to mitigate diversion traffic into neighborhoods are essential.
The recommendations now go to the Oregon Transportation Commission, which will hold a public hearing on July 12 beginning at 4 p.m. (sign up to comment 3-7 p.m.) at University Place Hotel (310 SW Lincoln St.). Residents who have thoughts on the tolling plan and its potential effects on North Portland are encouraged to attend. Speakers will be limited to three minutes. You can also submit written testimony online.
3) Closures on I-5
Beginning next weekend, travelers will experience the first major delays for the Interstate 84 at Interstate 5 Rehabilitation Project and the I-5 Interstate Bridge to Hassalo paving project. A detailed brochure shows all closures, detours and timelines. Highlights include:
Two week closure of I-5 southbound ramp to I-84 eastbound
The ramp that connects I-5 southbound to I-84 eastbound will close 24-hours a day for two-weeks from 10 p.m. Sunday, July 8 to 5 a.m. Monday, July 23.
During the closure, Hamilton Construction will replace 16 bridge joints that link the ramps, remove the existing concrete, perform repairs to metal below the concrete surface and emplace new concrete. As the concrete cures, traffic cannot use the ramp.
I-5 southbound weekend closure
I-5 southbound will close for paving between the Fremont and the Marquam Bridges from 10 p.m. Friday, July 13 to 5 a.m. Monday July 16 and from 10 p.m. Friday, July 20 to 5 a.m. Monday, July 23.
During these closures travelers will use the Fremont Bridge and Interstate 405.
More multi-day ramp and interstate closures and delays in July and August
Two-week, around-the-clock ramp closures will take place at I-84 and I-5 throughout July and August along with directional closures of I-5 between the Fremont and Marquam Bridges. Here is the schedule:
- 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 25 to 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 6: I-84 westbound to I-5 northbound is closed.
- 10 p.m. Friday, July 27 to 5 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 2: In addition to the I-84 westbound to I-5 northbound ramp closure, the center lane of I-84 westbound will close near Lloyd Boulevard. This will only leave the left lane open on I-84 westbound.
- 10 p.m. Friday, July 27 to 5 a.m. Monday, July 30: I-5 northbound will close between the Marquam and Fremont Bridges.
- 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3 to 5 a.m. Aug. 6: I-5 northbound will close between the Marquam and Fremont Bridges.
- 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17 to 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 27: I-84 westbound to I-5 southbound will close. This means only one lane, the right lane, of I-84 will remain open.
4) Happy July 4!
Wednesday is Independence Day. OKNA hopes all residents have a fun, safe holiday.
As you celebrate America’s independence, please think twice before lighting fireworks. It’s very dry in Overlook and all of the region. One stray spark could start a terrible blaze. Remember, it was just a smoke bomb that started the fire in the Columbia Gorge last year.
Pet owners should be sure to keep their pets inside or leashed lest they panic at the sound of fireworks and run off.