PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Ross Island Bridge was closed to all traffic Tuesday evening as Portland police officers and firefighters responded to an emergency involving a person in distress.
Closure During Evening Commute
Authorities said the call for assistance came just after 5 p.m., during the height of the evening commute. Responders quickly moved to secure the area and halted traffic in both directions across the bridge.
Officials confirmed that the shutdown was necessary to allow emergency crews safe access as they worked to assist the individual.
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Coordinated Response
Police officers and fire crews were dispatched to the scene within minutes. While details about the nature of the emergency were not immediately released, authorities emphasized that their top priority was the safety of the person involved and the public traveling over the bridge.
By closing the span, crews were able to focus resources on resolving the situation without the added complication of vehicle traffic.
Impact on Traffic
The Ross Island Bridge serves as a key link over the Willamette River and is heavily traveled during rush hour. The full closure caused significant traffic backups in surrounding areas as drivers were diverted onto alternative routes.
Commuters were advised to use the Marquam Bridge, Hawthorne Bridge, or Sellwood Bridge as detours until the situation was resolved.
Awaiting Further Updates
As of press time, no additional information had been released about the condition of the individual or when the bridge would reopen. Police said updates would be provided once the situation stabilized.
The incident highlights the challenges first responders face when emergencies occur on critical infrastructure, where both public safety and traffic flow are at stake.
