Motorcyclist Dies in 20th Portland Traffic Fatality, Closing Southbound I-5 Near Marquam Bridge

3 articles · Updated · City of Portland, Oregon · Jun 19

A motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene after a crash reported at 6:18 p.m. Friday on southbound I-5 at Exit 299A near the Marquam Bridge in Portland.
Preliminary information indicates no other vehicles were involved, and Portland police's Major Crash Team is investigating the motorcycle crash.
Southbound I-5 was closed during the investigation, with traffic diverted from the Marquam Bridge to northbound I-405; drivers were urged to use I-205 to reach south and southwest Portland.
The death is Portland's 20th traffic fatality of 2026, the second in 25 hours and the eighth this year involving a motorcycle or gas-powered scooter.

Sources

Beyond road design, what systemic failures contribute to Portland's rising toll of motorcycle fatalities?

With billions spent on I-5 safety projects, why do fatal crashes persist on Portland's most dangerous corridors?