Rush hour closures on Hawthorne Bridge expected to continue until Friday

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Traffic is expected to continue plaguing drivers as they cross the Hawthorne Bridge after crews shared a Wednesday announcement that lanes will need to close during commuter hours.

On Wednesday and Thursday, all westbound lanes on the bridge closed for paving and repair work around 2 p.m. and re-open at 5 a.m. 

Eastbound lanes are expected to close next week, lasting Monday through Friday from 7 p.m. to 11 a.m. through the end of the month.

The closures will allow crews to fix deteriorated deck concrete and place a new deck surface, and crews will also replace deck joints on the east and west sides of the bridge. The estimated cost for the project is $9.5 million in federal and local funds.

“Most work will be at night or during off-peak hours. There will be one-way closures during these times. The bridge will remain open with lane restrictions at other times. There may be short periods when full closures to cars, trucks and bicycles are needed for the safety of the public and construction crews,” according to the county.

The westbound bus stop on SE Madison Street will remain open, but the eastbound bus stop on SE Hawthorne Boulevard will remain closed until the project is over. Detours and alternative bus stops may be necessary.

Cyclists will still have access to the bridge through a protected barricade, though there is a short detour on the west side of the bridge. During full closures, however, cyclists will be detoured.