Traffic on some of Portland’s busiest bridges and freeways will get a new look early Sunday morning as bicyclists of all ages and abilities commandeer many Willamette River crossings during the annual Providence Bridge Pedal.
It’s the one day a year when human-powered vehicles get to take in the spectacular views from the upper decks of the Fremont and Marquam bridges, as well as cruise over the motor vehicle lanes of the Steel, Morrison, Hawthorne and Ross Island bridges.
Automobile traffic will be restricted on several routes including Interstates 5 and 405 from about 5 a.m. through about 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10.
Organizers may close travel lanes, bridges, on-and-off ramps, and streets in areas along the routes as early as 4 a.m. to safely accommodate thousands of bicyclists and pedestrians.
The weather is expected to be hot, with a daytime high reaching the mid 90s, but early morning temps should be around 65 degrees as the rides kick off. No rain is expected.
Here is the list of Portland’s bridges and their availability to motor vehicle traffic early Sunday according to organizers:
Bridge closure schedule:
- St Johns: Open both directions
- Fremont: Top deck closed 5 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Broadway: Open both directions
- Steel: Eastbound closed until noon
- Burnside: Open both directions
- Morrison: Eastbound closed until 10 a.m.
- Hawthorne: Eastbound closes at 6 p.m. Saturday and will not reopen until about 12:30 p.m. Sunday
- Marquam: Top deck closed 5-11 a.m.
- Ross Island: Westbound closed 5:30 – 11 a.m.
- Sellwood: South bike and pedestrian lanes will be restricted to ride participants only. Other riders can use north side bike lane. All auto lanes remain open
Note that bridge reopening times are approximate.
On-ramps to Interstate 405 will close by 5 a.m., reopening by 1 p.m. Both U.S. 30 and U.S. 26 eastbound ramps to I-405 will close at 1 a.m. and reopen around 1 p.m.
Travelers should expect delays on Portland bridges, freeways, on and off-ramps, and in the central city and nearby roads before, during, and immediately after the event. All bridges should be fully reopened by about 12:30 p.m.
Public transit riders on MAX should experience few delays. Several TriMet bus lines will be detoured during the event. Check your line information at www.trimet.org. Some stops will be closed. Portland Streetcar will operate a normal Sunday schedule.
Those who are not participating in the ride should expect delays on routes around the downtown core and a marked increase in pedestrian, bicyclist, and other traffic through about noon. If you don’t have to be downtown on Sunday morning, best to just skip it.
Participants can register for Sunday’s event in-person or online at providence.org/lp/bridge-pedal.
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