KEY POINTS
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Construction on the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project in Portland is set to break ground in August 2025 for its first phase.
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The infrastructure project has a $1.5 billion funding shortfall for future phases.
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The future of the project beyond Phase 1A hinges on whether state legislators and agencies can secure additional funding.
Construction on the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project in Portland is set to break ground in August 2025, launching a long-anticipated initiative to improve freeway safety and connectivity. However, the infrastructure project has a $1.5B funding shortfall for future phases.
Initial Phase of Construction to Start
The initial phase of construction, known as Phase 1A, will target stormwater management improvements, bridge preservation, and seismic upgrades near the I-5/I-405 and I-5/I-84 junctions. Fully funded at $65–$75 million, these construction activities will proceed independently of later phases and are scheduled through fall 2026.
Currently, state and federal dollars are in place to cover Phase 1A and essential utility relocations. However, funding for subsequent segments, including the highway cover and broader corridor upgrades, remains uncertain, with $1.5 billion still needed from future appropriations or other financial sources, the Portland Mercury reported.
A conceptual graphic of the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project in Portland, Oregon. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) said the project’s new ramp connections and wider shoulders on I-5 between I-84 and I-405 will make the area safer and less congested. Image: Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)
State Transportation Funding Challenges
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) said that, with the funding crisis, it struggles to support maintenance and day-to-day operations. However, it added on its website that most major construction projects remain on track, as those projects are typically financed through separate state or federal capital programs. The funds are legally earmarked for project development and cannot be reallocated for operational needs.
ODOT officials said that some project delays could still occur due to staffing shortages. A reduced workforce, particularly in roles such as traffic control, inspections, and project oversight, could slow timelines and complicate delivery.
Broader Project Timeline Hinges on Securing Additional Funds
The fate of the larger I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project, including elements like the highway cover, depends on the ability of state legislators and agencies to secure additional appropriations.
Timelines for these broader improvements may evolve as the funding situation becomes clearer. The project, therefore, remains a watch point for infrastructure construction projects in the nation’s northwest.
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