Multnomah County announced Thursday that a number of roadways in the northwest Portland area have been closed after trees were knocked down by strong winds. The closures affect several key intersections, disrupting traffic for commuters and residents.
Closed intersections
The county listed the following locations as inaccessible:
- NW 23rd Avenue and NW Glisan Street
- NW 22nd Avenue and NW Overton Street
- NW 21st Avenue and NW Thurman Street
- NW 20th Avenue and NW Glisan Street
These closures were confirmed by county officials early Thursday morning after crews reported multiple trees had fallen across the roadways, blocking lanes and creating hazardous conditions.
Response and cleanup effort
County road maintenance teams have been dispatched to the affected sites, working alongside crews from Portland General Electric (PGE). The joint effort focuses on removing the fallen trees, clearing debris, and restoring power lines that were also impacted.
County spokesperson Sarah Martinez said, “Our crews are coordinating with PGE to address both the road safety and any electrical outages caused by the fallen trees. We are prioritizing public safety and will keep the community updated as work progresses.”
Impact on drivers
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes and allow extra travel time while the closures remain in effect. Local navigation apps have been updated to reflect the blocked streets, and detour signage is being posted where possible.
Residents in the affected neighborhoods have expressed concern about the inconvenience, but most understand the necessity of the cleanup. “It’s frustrating, but we appreciate the crews working hard to get things back to normal,” said longtime resident Mark Jensen.
No estimated reopening time
At this point, officials do not have a firm timeline for when the roads will reopen. The extent of the damage, combined with the need to safely remove large trees and repair any damaged utility infrastructure, means the work could take several hours or longer.
County officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates through their website and social media channels. Drivers are encouraged to stay informed and follow any posted instructions.
Safety reminders
While the cleanup is underway, the county reminds the public to avoid the closed areas, obey detour signs, and stay clear of any downed power lines. If you see a downed line, report it immediately to PGE at 503‑222‑4000.
For the latest information on road conditions and reopening estimates, visit the Multnomah County website or follow their official Twitter feed.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
