Portland City Council Public Works Committee 06/09/26

The Portland City Council Public Works Committee convened on June 9, 2026, to discuss key transportation infrastructure projects, focusing primarily on the Rose Quarter project and associated construction closures on Interstate 5. The committee reviewed the scope and funding strategies for phases 1B and 1C of the project, including a significant five-week full closure of I-5 southbound scheduled for September to October to facilitate bridge deck repairs and other improvements. The discussion emphasized the project's goals to improve traffic flow, freight mobility, and community reconnection through highway covers and pedestrian infrastructure. Committee members raised concerns about traffic impacts on local streets, safety, air quality near schools, and the effects on small and minority-owned businesses. The project team highlighted ongoing coordination with regional partners, outreach efforts, and the use of a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) approach to optimize cost and schedule. Questions about minority business participation goals, apprenticeship opportunities, and mitigation strategies for increased local street traffic were addressed, with commitments to follow up on specific data and support measures. The committee also discussed the importance of communication strategies to manage public expectations and traffic behavior during closures. No formal votes were recorded during this session, but several action items for continued coordination, data collection, and community engagement were identified.