ODOT cams stop working just in time for I-5 closure - KPTV - FOX 12
Member Center:
Portland area traffic cameras operated by the Oregon Department of Transportation are down, and there's no way of knowing when they'll be working again.
Additionally, ODOT's ability to email traffic alerts to the public has been hampered by the same problem, which is reportedly due to a power outage that occurred early this morning.
It's not the kind of news travelers in the Portland metro area want to hear right now.
This weekend marks the second of several closures of Interstate 5 between the Fremont Bridge and the Marquam Bridge, for resurfacing.
The last time Interstate 5 was closed, it the same 1-mile stretch two weekends ago, and it caught commuters off-guard and caused major congestion.
Traffic was not only backed up southbound from the Interstate Bridge to where traffic is being detoured onto I-405, but traffic on I-84 westbound to the I-5 split also experienced major delays.
There will be some relief today for folks heading west on I-84. ODOT says a lane of traffic from I-84 westbound to I-5 southbound will be open until crews resume work at 7:30 p.m. tonight.
Meanwhile, without the cameras functioning, there is no ability for anyone to check online images for current back-ups. Additionally, the lack of email alerts prevents the communication of pertinent travel information.
This weekend's closure of I-5 is supposed to last until 5 a.m. Monday, though two weekends ago, work wrapped up early, Sunday night.
Additional weekend closures on I-5 are slated to take place throughout the month of August. Next weekend marks the same southbound closure, from the Fremont Bridge to the Marquam Bridge.
Then, starting Friday night, Aug. 17 at 11 p.m., construction crews will switch directions, and I-5 northbound will be closed along the same, one-mile stretch until 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 20. The northbound closure repeats itself Aug. 24 until Aug. 27.
ODOT is encouraging travelers to avoid the freeways during construction if possible, urging alternative routes on surface streets. People heading south of Portland may also choose I-205 to avoid major slowdowns.
Copyright 2012 KPTV (Meredith Corporation.) All rights reserved.
 | 
|
