Did you know over 100,000 vehicles a day use the seven-mile stretch of I-205 from Stafford Road in West Linn to OR 213 in Oregon City? This bottleneck is the last remaining two-lane section of I-205. Drivers experience nearly seven hours of traffic backups here every day, significantly impacting regional and state economic activity.

The I-205 Improvements Project is part of a Comprehensive Congestion Management and Mobility Plan to comprehensively reduce congestion and crashes, while also making travel times shorter and more predictable. As part of this plan, ODOT is evaluating tolling as a way to raise revenue and manage congestion on I-205 between Stafford Rd and OR 213 under the National Environmental Policy Act process. A safer, less congested corridor will provide folks access to work, health and play, and support a healthy Oregon economy.

Widening and strengthening I-205 creates safer and less congested travel with earthquake-ready bridges. Upgrades to the Abernethy Bridge will make it the first earthquake-ready interstate structure across the Willamette River, making I-205 the passable north-south route through the Portland region after a major earthquake.

The project will also upgrade or replace eight other bridges in the area, add a third travel lane in each direction, and improve interchanges at OR 43 and OR 99E.

Reduced Congestion & Travel Times

The project reduces crashes and daily congestion by 4.75 hours each day by adding a third lane in each direction with shoulders that could accommodate future transit opportunities.

Fewer Crashes

Improved interchanges and on- and off-ramps will make travel safer, resulting in fewer crashes.

Earthquake-Ready Bridges

The Abernethy Bridge and eight other I-205 bridges will be upgraded or replaced to withstand a major earthquake. An earthquake-ready corridor will support this critical lifeline route in providing supplies and services to the region after a disaster.