Drivers from Cowlitz County heading south this weekend may encounter an unexpected detour in downtown Portland. Multnomah County officials have announced that the Morrison Bridge will be closed on Sunday for scheduled deck repairs, beginning at 7 a.m. and lasting through much of the day. The closure will apply to motor vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

According to reporting by KOIN, county transportation staff scheduled the shutdown to conduct maintenance work on the bridge deck. The advisory notes that all modes of travel normally using the crossing will be restricted until repairs conclude.

The Morrison Bridge is a routine connector for Southwest Washington residents traveling into central Portland for work, medical appointments or weekend events. While detours are expected to be available across nearby bridges, delays are likely on alternate routes, particularly during late morning and early afternoon travel.

Multnomah County typically posts updates on major bridge work through its public works division. As of the latest advisory, no additional closures have been announced for the coming week.

Why this matters for Southwest Washington
Many Longview and Kelso residents rely on predictable travel corridors when heading to Portland for shopping, family visits or airport trips. A full-day shutdown of a central Willamette River crossing—especially beginning early on a Sunday—can shift traffic onto the Hawthorne and Burnside bridges, adding several minutes to travel times and increasing congestion on I-5 exits.

Travelers planning to enter Portland’s city center on Sunday may want to adjust their timelines or select an alternate river crossing well in advance of reaching downtown.

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