Portland commuters received good news early Thursday when Highway 26 reopened after a brief, overnight shutdown caused by downed power lines. The incident, which began around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, forced the closure of every lane in both directions at the intersection of Murray Boulevard.
What Happened
According to Oregon Department of Transportation’s TripCheck service, a power line failure struck the roadway just after 11:30 p.m., prompting officials to shut down all traffic for safety. The northbound 217 on‑ramp to westbound Highway 26 was also closed, adding to the congestion for drivers seeking alternate routes.
Response and Repairs
Portland General Electric (PGE) crews arrived promptly to assess the situation and begin repairs. Working through the night, they secured the damaged lines and restored power to the area. By just after 5:30 a.m. Thursday, PGE had completed the essential work, allowing traffic to resume.
Current Traffic Conditions
All lanes of Highway 26 are now open, with the exception of one westbound lane that remains closed for final safety checks. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution and expect minor delays as the remaining lane is inspected.
Impact on Commuters
The overnight closure affected daily commuters, freight operators, and residents traveling to and from the east side of the city. Local businesses reported a brief dip in customer traffic, but the swift restoration helped minimize longer‑term disruptions.
What to Expect Going Forward
PGE has indicated that the repaired power lines are stable and that no further interruptions are anticipated in the near term. The Oregon Department of Transportation will continue to monitor the roadway and update drivers via TripCheck and local news outlets.
Travelers who encounter any lingering lane closures or construction signage should follow posted directions and consider alternative routes such as Interstate 84 or local arterial streets until normal flow is fully restored.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
