Getting to Clarklewis During the I-5 Southbound Closure

Clarklewis will remain open throughout Portland’s upcoming I-5 southbound closure, with dinner, happy hour, private dining and events continuing as usual at our Central Eastside restaurant at 1001 SE Water Avenue at Taylor.

Beginning Friday, September 11, 2026, all southbound lanes of I-5 through the Rose Quarter will close around the clock for up to five weeks. The closure is expected to continue into approximately mid-October. Because Clarklewis is located just south of the Morrison Bridge and close to I-5, some guests may need to adjust how they get here, particularly those traveling from Vancouver, North Portland and other areas north of the restaurant.

Heading our way right now? Skip the reading and tap a link:

🗺️ Open Google Maps for live directions to Clarklewis

🚗 Open Waze for live directions to Clarklewis

🚧 Check ODOT TripCheck for current closure and traffic info

What Is Closing on I-5 in Portland?

ODOT plans to close southbound I-5 between I-405 and I-84 beginning at approximately 10 p.m. on September 11. Some affected ramps may begin closing around 9 p.m. that evening.

The closure will remain in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for up to five weeks while crews repair weakened sections of the roadway, replace bridge joints, repave the surface and repaint lane markings. Northbound I-5 will remain open throughout the project.

For local traffic, southbound I-5 will be redirected primarily onto I-405. ODOT is directing longer-distance regional traffic toward I-205. One southbound lane will remain available between the I-405 junction and the Broadway/Weidler exit for local access.

ODOT is warning drivers to expect significant congestion and unpredictable travel times during the closure. Depending on the route and time of day, some trips could take two to three times longer than usual.

Getting to Clarklewis During the I-5 Closure

Clarklewis is located at 1001 SE Water Avenue at Taylor in Portland’s Central Eastside, just south of the Morrison Bridge. The restaurant will remain open throughout the I-5 construction period.

The biggest change will affect guests approaching Portland on southbound I-5. The southbound I-5 offramp to the Morrison Bridge will be closed during the extended closure, so drivers who normally use that route to reach the Central Eastside will need to follow an alternate route.

If you are traveling from Vancouver, North Portland or other locations north of the Rose Quarter, we recommend checking current traffic conditions before leaving and allowing additional time before your reservation. Navigation apps may also adjust recommended routes as congestion changes throughout the day.

The important thing to know is that the Central Eastside remains accessible. The closure affects one section of southbound I-5 rather than shutting down access to the neighborhood.

Coming From I-84 and Portland’s East Side

Guests traveling west on I-84 will have considerably more direct access during the construction period.

ODOT says the I-84 westbound connection to southbound I-5 will remain open, as will the I-84 westbound offramp to the Morrison Bridge. That means guests approaching from the east can continue toward the Central Eastside without encountering the primary southbound I-5 closure north of I-84.

Traffic conditions can still change as drivers throughout the Portland area adjust their routes, so checking traffic before heading out is a good idea regardless of where your trip begins.

Coming From South Portland and Areas South of the City

Northbound I-5 will remain open through the Rose Quarter during the project. Guests traveling north from areas such as Sellwood, Milwaukie, Lake Oswego, West Linn or Oregon City will therefore not encounter the primary freeway closure affecting southbound traffic.

There may still be heavier traffic on surrounding roads and bridges as commuters find alternate routes, particularly during weekday peak periods.

Give Yourself a Little More Time Before Dinner

If your normal route takes you south on I-5 through North Portland and the Rose Quarter, leaving a little earlier than usual will make the evening easier.

The closure is expected to have its greatest effect on regional traffic during busier commuting periods. For guests joining us for happy hour or an early dinner, that overlap with afternoon traffic makes checking your route beforehand especially worthwhile.

Clarklewis currently serves dinner seven days a week, with happy hour every evening from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the bar area and later hours on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Make Your Trip Easy

A few quick tips will keep the drive simple during the closure:

1. Use Google Maps or Waze for live routing to SE Water Avenue.
2. ODOT TripCheck provides official closure and traffic information.
3. Follow posted signs and use the route that works best for you.
4. Clarklewis is open and ready to welcome you.

Running a little late? We understand. Please travel safely, and we will be happy to see you when you arrive.

Planning a Private Dinner or Event at Clarklewis

The closure is also worth keeping in mind for private dinners, business gatherings, celebrations and larger events where guests may be arriving from different parts of the Portland metro area.

If you have an event scheduled during the closure period, consider letting attendees know in advance that southbound I-5 through the Rose Quarter is closed and encouraging anyone traveling from the north to allow additional time.

Clarklewis offers several private dining spaces, including the Kindling Room, the Parlor and A Room with a View, along with options for larger gatherings in the main dining room.

Clarklewis Is Open Throughout the I-5 Closure

A major freeway project can make getting around Portland look more complicated than it actually is. Clarklewis and the Central Eastside remain accessible throughout the closure, and we will be open as usual.

If you are coming from Vancouver, North Portland or another location that normally brings you south on I-5 through the Rose Quarter, plan for some additional travel time and check your route before leaving. Guests coming from I-84 and northbound I-5 will continue to have freeway access into the area.

We look forward to seeing you for dinner, happy hour or your next gathering at Clarklewis, 1001 SE Water Avenue at Taylor in Portland’s Central Eastside.

For the latest construction information and real-time changes during the project, check ODOT’s I-5 Rose Quarter travel updates before heading out.