Portland residents traveling on Highway 26 should expect a full lane closure near the Oregon Zoo today. At approximately 12:30 p.m., crews from Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of trees collapsing onto overhead power lines, causing the lines to arc across the roadway.
Immediate safety actions
Because the arcing wires posed an immediate danger to motorists, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) ordered both eastbound and westbound lanes between milepost 72 and milepost 73 to be closed. The closure remains in effect while utility crews from Portland General Electric work to secure the downed lines and remove the fallen trees.
Impact on commuters
Drivers who normally use Highway 26 to reach the zoo, nearby neighborhoods, or to connect to Interstate 5 are being redirected to alternate routes. Local officials recommend using Interstate 84 or the I‑5 corridor to bypass the affected segment. Traffic updates will be posted on ODOT’s website and on local news outlets throughout the day.
Response from public‑safety agencies
Portland Fire & Rescue posted a photo on its official Twitter account showing the power lines draped across the highway, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The department’s spokesperson emphasized that crews are monitoring the site for any additional hazards, such as falling debris or further electrical issues.
Utility and infrastructure work
Portland General Electric arrived on scene shortly after the fire department’s report. Technicians are de‑energizing the affected lines, stabilizing the remaining infrastructure, and coordinating with ODOT to ensure a safe reopening. While the exact timeline for full restoration has not been announced, officials expect the lane closures to remain until the power lines are fully repaired and the roadway cleared of debris.
What residents can do
Motorists are urged to stay informed through ODOT’s traffic alerts and to obey any detour signage posted along the highway. Residents who rely on Highway 26 for school pickups, work commutes, or delivery routes should allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes where possible.
Looking ahead
ODOT and the city’s public‑works department will conduct a post‑incident review to assess why the trees fell and whether additional vegetation management is needed along the corridor. The goal is to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents that threaten both public safety and the flow of traffic.
For the latest updates, follow Portland Fire & Rescue on Twitter @PDXFire and check ODOT’s traffic information page.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
