Salem, Oregon – Governor Tina Kotek recently expressed her enthusiasm and gratitude following the announcement of a significant $450 million federal award granted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project in Portland.
The I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project is set to bring substantial changes to Portland’s infrastructure. Governor Kotek said, “The I-5 Rose Quarter Project is an ambitious project and this catalytic investment will relieve traffic, create new community spaces, foster innovative development and reconnect communities that were divided and cut off from economic opportunities by Portland’s transportation infrastructure. I’m grateful for the advocacy and leadership from our federal delegation in making this award happen.”
A key feature of the project is the introduction of a highway cover over parts of Interstate 5, designed to reestablish local street connections and pave the way for future development projects and economic opportunities in the area.
In addition to enhancing connectivity and community spaces, the project will incorporate seismic upgrades to the I-5 structure. These improvements are critical for ensuring the highway’s resilience, particularly against potential seismic events like the Cascadia earthquake, thereby safeguarding the area’s infrastructure and its residents.