Flight Delays and Gridlock Push PDX to Scale Back Overnight Construction

For hundreds of Portland-area travelers, an early-morning traffic jam turned what should have been a routine trip to Portland International Airport (PDX) into a scramble to catch their flights — and for some, a missed connection altogether.

Now, after significant backlash, the Port of Portland is rethinking its overnight road construction schedule. As of this week, crews will work shorter overnight hours on Airport Way in hopes of preventing another massive traffic snarl like the one that unfolded Wednesday morning.

38 Flights Delayed, Dozens of Passengers Missed Flights

What happened? Crews working overnight near the airport had been operating under a window that stretched from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., closing lanes along Airport Way — the main artery into PDX. But when morning rush hour collided with leftover lane closures and slow-moving equipment, traffic backed up for miles.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) cameras captured long lines of cars idling on Airport Way, clogging onto 82nd Avenue and spilling onto I-205. The backups caused a domino effect: rideshare drivers stuck for over an hour, passengers exiting cars to jog the final stretch to the terminal, and airline staff rushing to manage long lines of frustrated travelers.

According to Melanni Rosales, spokesperson for the Port of Portland, 38 flights were delayed as a result. “We are aware of the significant traffic caused by roadwork early this morning, which affected travelers, employees, and flight crews,” Rosales said. “We know that travel is an already stressful experience, and any unexpected delay can make that even more challenging.”

New Construction Plan: Fewer Hours, More Open Lanes

Going forward, overnight work on Airport Way will run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly through at least next Wednesday, shaving four hours off the original work window. In addition, Rosales said crews will keep a minimum of two westbound lanes open at all times, to ensure travelers, rideshares, and airport staff have reliable access during peak morning hours.

"The new plan should ease pressure on commuters and flight crews alike," Rosales said in her statement. "We appreciate the community’s patience as we complete this critical work and we encourage everyone to continue giving themselves plenty of extra time."

Passengers Share Frustration, Some Abandoned Cars

Stories of Wednesday’s mess spread quickly on local social media. Several passengers recounted how rideshare drivers, unable to move in the gridlock, asked riders to exit early to avoid further delays. Some travelers were seen dragging rolling suitcases along Airport Way and jogging the final quarter mile to reach the terminal.

Traffic didn’t fully clear until 7:30 a.m., by which time dozens of people had already missed their check-ins.

Travel Tips: Leave Early — Or Earlier

ODOT spokesperson David House said the incident should be a wake-up call for travelers, especially during Oregon’s busy summer tourist season.

"Leave earlier than you think at this time of year during heavy tourism," House advised. "Getting somewhere too early is always better than arriving late."

Airport officials also reminded travelers to check PDX’s website and social channels for the latest construction updates before heading out. Although the new hours should help, lingering delays are still possible, and peak traffic can easily stack up when major travel holidays or weather events hit.

Long-Term Payoff for Short-Term Pain

Despite this week’s hiccup, the Port says the roadwork is necessary to improve long-term access to PDX and the surrounding Airport Way corridor, which has seen record traffic volumes as the region rebounds from the pandemic and Portland remains a hub for West Coast travel.

"We understand how disruptive this can be in the short term," Rosales said. "But once complete, these upgrades will help the airport operate more smoothly and safely for everyone — travelers, staff, and the entire community."

The Port says it will continue to monitor traffic patterns daily and adjust plans as needed until all work is complete — now expected to wrap up by the middle of next week, barring any weather delays.

Key Takeaway for Travelers

‍If you’re heading to PDX this week, leave extra early, stay updated on road conditions, and be prepared for unexpected delays. The good news: by next week, the worst of the backups should be behind you — at least until the next big improvement project kicks off.

Originally reported by Tarek Antony in OPB.