FILE - Passengers arrive at Portland International Airport, Aug. 2, 2024. On July 23, 2025, overnight construction at the airport caused a severe traffic jam on Airport Way and multiple delayed flights, according to Port of Portland.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
The Port of Portland has decided to shorten the overnight construction schedule at Portland International Airport after the work caused significant traffic delays for passengers Wednesday morning.
The Port of Portland oversees operations of PDX, general aviation and marine activities across the Portland area.
In a statement to OPB, Port of Portland spokesperson Melanni Rosales said that the construction schedule would be shortened going forward, now scheduled for 10 p.m. through 6 a.m., after 38 flights were delayed Wednesday morning.
The airport announced on Facebook Monday that there would be road construction scheduled between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m, Monday through Friday this week on Airport Way. Officials with the airport asked passengers to give themselves “a little extra time and drive with care as there may be delays.”
UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who shared your experience from Wednesday morning. In response to what happened, we’ve...
Posted by Portland International Airport on Monday, July 21, 2025
But Wednesday morning travelers and commuters alike found themselves backed up, some for over an hour, on their way to the airport as construction wrapped up for the day. Oregon Department of Transportation cameras showed a large traffic jam on Airport Way, backing up onto 82nd Avenue and Interstate 205.
As a result of the shortened overnight construction hours, construction on the road is expected to last until next Wednesday.
“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.”
Rosales also said that a minimum of two westbound lanes of Airport Way would remain open at all times going forward. She encouraged drivers to arrive earlier nonetheless.
Replies to the Port of Portland social media post reported rideshare drivers kicking passengers out of their cars as other travelers exited their cars and ran to the airport. Traffic had cleared by 7:30 a.m., with all lanes of traffic opening shortly after.
Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson David House said traffic is always heavy in the summer with an influx of tourists. He suggests people take extra time for travel.
“Leave earlier than you think at this time of year during heavy tourism,” House said.
He added getting somewhere too early is always better than arriving late.
