See something we could improve on this page? Give website feedback.
Label:
Traffic advisory
NW Cornell Road is CLOSED east of the Bird Alliance of Oregon, for a landslide with downed trees and power lines between the tunnels
Published
Updated
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 27, 2026) The Portland Bureau of Transportation advises the traveling public that a landslide that was reported at about 8 a.m. today has led to the closure of NW Cornell Road, east of the Bird Alliance of Oregon.
NW Cornell Road is closed to all travelers, all directions in between the two tunnels where the landslide occurred. No vehicle or biking or walking access is allowed through the corridor.
Downed trees and power lines make the area hazardous and could cause a prolonged closure.
As of Friday morning, there is no estimated time for reopening this section of NW Cornell. Travelers are advised to expect no through traffic to be allowed on NW Cornell Road, between NW Thompson and NW Westover. Local access to area homes and businesses is allowed.
Access to the Bird Alliance facility at 5151 NW Cornell Road, is only allowed from the west. Expect to access the area via NW Skyline and NW Thompson Road. Go slow. Expect travel delays.
Detour route around western closure to reach the area west of the tunnels
This map shows the part of NW Cornell Road that is closed to repair damage from an earlier landslide. It also shows the route for travelers to reach homes and businesses near the Bird Alliance of Oregon. The closure for the landslide between the tunnels is located to the east of this map. Map by PBOT.
An earlier closure remains in place to the west
This makes a second closure on NW Cornell Road, as another section near the intersection with NW Eloise Lane has been closed since March 13. A landslide that day and a sinkhole discovered days later caused significant damage to the roadway in that area.
The Bureau of Environmental Services is working to investigate and repair damage to Cornell Road as well as stormwater infrastructure in the area. See the project website for more details.
NW Cornell Road is closed at NW Eloise Lane between NW Thompson Road and NW Skyline Boulevard. Travelers in the area should use alternate routes, including Highway 26, Highway 30, and West Burnside Road. Anyone traveling through this area or alternate routes may experience delays and should use caution.
Local access to residences and businesses is provided.
The road is one of several key corridors 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 earlier this month, PBOT has responded 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.
Learn more about weather emergency response and preparedness
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.
###
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.