Fast, reliable & cost effective Equipment Transport

Expect delays and short closures through the Columbia River corridor this month. Travelers and transport crews should plan for active construction between east Portland and Mitchell Point, with work at Toothrock Tunnel, bridge repairs near Exits 40 and 44, and paving in East Multnomah County.

Single‑lane controls and landslide repair near Multnomah Falls will cause periodic slowdowns. Nighttime windows and flagging often compress travel times, so pilot car teams must adjust schedules for safety.

We’ll cover which projects compress lanes along the Historic Columbia River Highway, how TriMet’s A Better Red affects interchange flow, and what to watch for with Mitchell Point Tunnel work. For verified permits and staging notes, see this guide to essential permits for large moves: essential permits for large item transport.

Plan ahead, follow traffic advisories, and expect weather-driven schedule changes. TripCheck provides real‑time traffic impacts that help dispatchers route oversized loads safely.

Right now on I-84: what travelers and heavy haulers need to know

Expect evening work zones and shifting closures between east Portland and Mitchell Point this month. Travelers should plan for delays and lane closures that slow trips, especially after dark. Nighttime closures run Sunday through Thursday nights between Multnomah Falls and Cascade Locks.

The paving and resurfacing project between I-205 and Exit 17 in Troutdale adds recurring nighttime lane and ramp closures. Typical windows are Sun–Thu 8 p.m.–5 a.m., Fri 8 p.m.–8 a.m., and Sat 7 p.m.–8:30 a.m. Schedules are weather dependent and may change.

• Plan moves today with lane closures and intermittent ramp closure windows in mind, especially in East Multnomah County and the Gorge.
• Nighttime work compresses capacity; crews may extend or shift a closure when weather affects resurfacing or bridge work.
• Expect traffic impacts near Multnomah Falls through Cascade Locks on Sunday–Thursday nights with alternating patterns and single‑lane controls.
• Build the Troutdale nighttime schedule into dispatch plans to avoid surprise ramp closures.
• Monitor for closure extensions during poor weather, which often delays resurfacing and tunnel work.
• Stage vehicles away from work zone edges at shift change, especially around Troutdale and the Gorge.
• Adjust departure times to bypass peak nighttime windows; small shifts can cut delays.
• Check posted detours ahead and watch for active work vehicles and coned merges.

Before you go, use TripCheck for the latest traffic impacts and any last‑minute closure updates.

Lane closures near Bonneville Dam and Cascade Locks: schedules and single-lane controls

Resurfacing near Bonneville Dam has crews working inside Toothrock Tunnel with around‑the‑clock single‑lane closures. Work runs Sundays at 5 p.m. through Thursdays at 4 p.m. in both directions until Memorial Day. Eastbound resurfacing will continue inside the tunnel while westbound bridge repairs may start as soon as May 7, weather permitting.

Toothrock Tunnel resurfacing status and around-the-clock single lane closures

The tunnel project narrows the roadway and slows trips. Vehicles should expect longer travel times during the Sunday‑Thursday windows. Check clearance for wider loads before entry.

Bridge work timing near Exits 40 and 44 with weather-dependent shifts

Bridge repairs near Exits 40 and 44 can move quickly when weather changes. Crews may extend or compress active windows at short notice. Confirm directional work before departure so you know whether eastbound or westbound traffic faces controls.

Flaggers directing traffic and nighttime lane closures between Multnomah Falls and Cascade Locks

Watch for flaggers directing traffic at tunnel approaches and bridge decks, especially in low visibility. Nighttime closures run Sunday–Thursday nights between Multnomah Falls and Cascade Locks and can cause rolling slowdowns.

“Refresh closure info the afternoon of your move and keep pilot cars in close contact with drivers.”

• Expect around‑the‑clock single lane closures near Bonneville Dam during the resurfacing phase.
• Plan for weather‑driven schedule shifts for bridge work near Exits 40 and 44.
• Use real‑time sources to confirm current traffic impacts before staging near the river highway corridor.

I-84 paving in East Multnomah County: nighttime lane and ramp closures

Nighttime paving near Troutdale will create regular closures that shift access to ramps and crossings. Crews are working between 201st Avenue and Exit 17 this month with planned windows that affect travel after dark.

Hours of work between I-205 and Exit 17, Troutdale

Standard work windows run Sunday–Thursday 8 p.m.–5 a.m. and Friday 8 p.m.–8 a.m. Saturday. Saturday work typically begins at 7 p.m. and ends 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

Expect recurring nighttime lane closures plus periodic ramp closures that directly affect Troutdale and East Portland access. Confirm closures the evening you travel.

Weekend schedule notes and potential paving between I-205 and 169th Avenue

Crews are handling paving, resurfacing, and bridge repair between 201st Avenue and Exit 17. Temporary lane shifts and lower speeds are common near work zones.

If paving between I-205 and 169th Avenue begins later this month, expect extra traffic impacts and staged equipment near on-ramps. Keep drivers alert for fresh pavement transitions and temporary markings.

• Plan departures around posted windows to avoid the busiest closures.
• Avoid last-minute lane changes approaching closed ramps; verify access before staging.
• Allow extra time for pilot car coordination and low-speed segments through work areas.

Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail and Mitchell Point Tunnel traffic impacts

Construction between Viento State Park and Mitchell Point is altering nearby traffic flows and access points. The new two‑mile highway state trail segment and work at the mitchell point tunnel are active now.

Key closure notes:

• Expect an around‑the‑clock single lane closures near Exit 56 eastbound until Memorial Day that slow approach speeds.
• Exit 58 to Mitchell Point Overlook is closed around‑the‑clock, limiting local staging and pullouts.
• Work adjacent to the freeway narrows shoulders and reduces recovery space; plan escort spacing and equipment placement accordingly.

Staging tips: Map alternative staging east or west of the work to avoid blocking live travel lanes during hookups or inspections. Confirm if temporary barricades or cranes are near tunnel portals before you approach.

Monitor updates: For the latest segment info and possible shifts to single closures, check the project website at www.i84gorgeconstruction.org. Expect sporadic material deliveries and short, unscheduled delays near the historic highway that change traffic impacts quickly.

I-84 Oregon lane restrictions and their effect on heavy equipment

Permits, certified flaggers, and route surveys decide if a superload can pass through active work zones.

Superload thresholds, driver qualifications, and permit lead times

A superload is defined by strict width, height, and length limits: over 16 ft wide on interstates and multi‑lane highways, over 14 ft on two‑lane state routes, over 17 ft high, or over 150 ft long. Mobile box rules also apply.

Drivers must meet experience and violation criteria before approval. Start permit requests early—lead times can reach 10 days or longer when a project adds complexity.

Traffic Control Plan essentials

Plans often require Oregon‑certified flaggers and leap‑frog flagger stations to manage flow. Pullouts and 20‑minute maximum holds are standard for safety and smooth directing traffic.

Monitored moves and billed services

Some moves need state monitoring, especially in construction zones. ODOT may bill for changes like signal moves or utility work; include these services in quotes.

Route surveys and bridge/tunnel navigation

Complete surveys to list low obstacles and clearance strategies for bridge decks and tunnels. Diagrams, axle spacings, and exact coordinates speed approvals.

“Confirm driver credentials and submit full route data well before planned travel dates.”

Detours for oversize and heavy equipment when I-84 access is constrained

When the main corridor is constrained, planned detours keep oversized moves on schedule. Use alternate corridors that match your convoy profile and permit needs.

Recommended corridors for diverted moves include US26 (Portland → Prineville), US97 (Biggs Junction → Bend), OR126 (Redmond → Prineville), US20 (Bend → Burns), OR78 (Burns → Burns Junction), and US95 (Idaho → Nevada).

Planning for single‑lane segments and pullout locations

Two‑lane roads demand careful planning. Pre‑select pullouts long enough to clear the live road entirely.

• Expect steep grades, tight curves, and variable pullout spacing on each detour.
• Assess seasonal traffic impacts from harvests and recreation peaks before you run a convoy.
• Confirm pilot vehicle and certified flagger needs per ODOT guidance and coordinate with the Over‑Dimension Permit Unit early.
• Verify services — fuel, tires, repairs — so crews are not stranded between towns.

Flaggers, safety, and nighttime work zones on the Columbia River Highway

Reduced sightlines and shifting patterns make night operations on the Columbia River Highway higher risk. Slow, attentive driving keeps crews and drivers safe. Before any move, check TripCheck for overnight closures and incidents that could stop traffic upstream.

Work zone best practices: slow down, obey signs and flaggers, stay alert

Slow down and give flaggers directing traffic clear space to do their job. They manage alternating flows and protect everyone in the corridor.

At nighttime, expect reduced sight distance and sudden pattern changes. Dim work lights, cones, and portable signs can appear quickly, so keep speeds conservative.

• Keep teams focused: distracted driving is a top cause of crashes—enforce radio discipline and no‑phone rules.
• Obey signs and flaggers without exception; ignoring a stop/slow paddle can endanger crews and your drivers.
• Remember the corridor has tighter geometry in places; under active control, lanes feel narrower—space out escorts accordingly.
• Share schedules with local community partners when staging nearby to minimize disruptions and friction.
• At night, maintain larger gaps to allow for sudden braking near bridge joints and temporary tapers.
• Use reflective PPE and high‑visibility markings on escort vehicles to improve recognition at entrances and exits.
• Conduct a short post‑trip brief after night runs to capture lessons about signage, merges, and flagging locations.

“Check TripCheck before you head out to confirm overnight closures and any incident holding traffic upstream of your route.”

Weather-dependent schedules and how crews adjust closures

Shifting forecasts mean work windows often change at short notice, so plan moves with flexible timing.

Rain, wind, or cool temperatures can pause resurfacing or extend curing periods. When conditions change, crews often alter traffic patterns to protect fresh materials and workers.

Why closures shift and how to time moves around storms

• Many activities are tied to the weather: paving, bridge deck pours, tunnel work may stop or restart based on conditions.
• Expect sudden closures when crews delay a pour or protect a patch—confirm status the morning of travel.
• High winds in the Gorge affect tall loads; delay departures if forecasts show strong gusts.
• Landslide repair near Multnomah Falls triggers periodic single‑lane controls from 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday–Saturday; verify the day’s plan before committing.

Staging equipment during shoulder closures and lane shifts

Shoulder closures shrink safe space along the roadway. Scout alternative pullouts off the mainline for coupling, inspections, or staging.

• Coordinate with crews to reconfirm barriers and temporary tapers before entering a work zone.
• Bring equipment mats or use level gravel pullouts when shoulders are unavailable.
• Build buffer time into dispatch to cover wet‑weather suspensions or extended curing windows.
• Keep drivers briefed on wet pavement braking distances and how narrow tapers change stopping time.

“Check forecasts and project updates the day of travel to avoid unexpected holds.”

Where to get verified updates: TripCheck and project websites

Start each trip by checking TripCheck then cross-reference project sites for corridor specifics. TripCheck is updated constantly with construction, crash data, weather, and detour routing statewide. Use it before departure and during moves for the latest traffic alerts.

Key project websites provide corridor plans, maps, staging advisories, and milestone dates. Bookmark the Mitchell Point Tunnel and Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail page at www.i84gorgeconstruction.org to confirm Exit 58 status and around‑the‑clock closures.

TripCheck for real-time traffic, crashes, and detours

TripCheck.com shows live incidents, lane impacts, and weather that affect runs. Cross‑check it with project sites to get both statewide incidents and specific construction notes.

Project links: Mitchell Point Tunnel, A Better Red, and Gorge construction

TriMet’s A Better Red site at https://trimet.org/betterred/ lists nighttime work windows that can ripple into I‑205 north. ODOT’s weekly quick glance posts area construction information for the portland metro area so dispatchers can plan around short‑term closures.

• Check TripCheck.com for live traffic, crash alerts, weather, and detours before and during a move.
• Bookmark www.i84gorgeconstruction.org for Gorge project website updates and Exit 58 notices.
• Use TriMet’s A Better Red site for Gateway bridge work windows that may affect nearby ramps.
• Keep ODOT’s weekly quick glance handy for area construction information that affects schedules.
• Cross‑reference TripCheck with project websites to create the most accurate snapshot.

“Combine statewide feeds with corridor project websites for the clearest picture before you stage.”

Portland area construction ripple effects for I-84 and I-205 hauls

When major projects run after dark in the portland metro area, delays can cascade across regional routes. Gateway bridge work under TriMet’s A Better Red requires nighttime closures and shoulder work that reshape access at the interchange.

Key points to watch:

• The A Better Red project triggers nighttime lane closures and periodic full closures of east Exit 7, which can alter staging near Gateway.
• Past weekend full closures at the I-205 junction show how work can force longer detours and shift travel times.
• Construction in the portland area can back up I-205 and spill into I-84, creating wider traffic impacts for east‑west hauls.
• Confirm shoulder closures, night windows, and any exit closures before you approach the interchange.

“Check ODOT’s weekly Portland metro updates for the week of June 22–29, 2024, before you schedule night moves.”

Plan ahead for safer, smoother heavy equipment moves on I-84

Prioritize safety by building a move plan that accounts for spring maintenance and targeted repairs along the Historic Columbia River Highway corridor.

Check day‑of closures at the river highway and nearby viaducts; full closures can run 7 a.m.–2 p.m., morning flagging often occurs 5–9 a.m. These brief events affect staging and recovery routes.

Keep crews on a strict service checklist for brakes, lights, comms. Track bridge repairs and maintenance that shrink shoulder space. Share schedules with the local community, store permits on a shared site, then call ahead when access seems uncertain.

Plan contingencies — alternate routes, extra time, backup staging — then hold a quick feedback session after each haul to refine future moves.