Traffic Advisory: Landslide leads PBOT to close NW Cornell Road, asking the public to stay away, as crews make repairs for the coming days

A landslide next to NW Cornell Road caused this sinkhole, which emerged about 10 feet away. There could be more extensive damage below the surface of the road. NW Cornell is closed for repairs. Photo by PBOT.

(March 16, 2026) The Portland Bureau of Transportation advises the traveling public that emergency work to clear debris and repair damage from a landslide that caused a sinkhole will require the closure of NW Cornell Road for several days.

On Monday afternoon, crews closed NW Cornell Road to all travel between NW Thompson Road and NW Skyline Boulevard. Avoid the area. Local access to residences and businesses will be provided.

The road is one of several key corridor connecting Portland and Washington County. Travelers in the area should use alternate routes, including Highway 26, Highway 30 and West Burnside Road. Go slow and use caution is traveling on NW Skyline and Thompson to get around the closure.

Expect delays and use caution on area roadways.

Everyone should obey road closure signs and directions from flaggers and other work crews when they are present.

Since heavy rain last week, PBOT has been responding to a half dozen landslides and other water damage to city streets. People who move or violate barricades have been causing additional work for road crews that need to restore the closures and in some cases replace barricades with concrete barriers.

Conditions have worsened on NW Cornell Road in recent days. On Friday, crews closed the shoulder of the roadway after finding that a landslide had deposited debris next to it. On Sunday, a sinkhole emerged about 10 feet from the slide, leading to a closure of the westbound travel lane.

On Monday, more extensive damage was found, as erosion from the slide was undermining soil beneath the surface.

This work is weather-dependent, and the schedule may change.

PBOT is the City of Portland's lead on response to a variety of emergencies, including landslides and floods.

For updates on this and other impacts to area roadways from the heavy rain, see the PBOT website for winter weather road closures and chain advisories.

Learn how you can be prepared for heavy rain, snow, ice or other severe weather that affect transportation at the PBOT website for weather emergency response.

Report road hazards to PBOT Maintenance Dispatch 24/7 at 503-823-1700. Learn more about the city's response to landslides and flooding and how to report incidents.

A landslide next to NW Cornell Road caused this sinkhole, which emerged about 10 feet away. There could be more extensive damage below the surface of the road. NW Cornell is closed for repairs. Photo by PBOT.

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The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the city's transportation system and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage, and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility.