Traffic Advisory: SW Fairmount Blvd closure to last through summer, as PBOT & partner agencies work to assess and repair damage from March 12 landslide

View full size image of Landslide underneath SW Fairmount

A landslide downhill from SW Fairmount Boulevard has led PBOT to close the road. The top of the slide is located adjacent to the pavement. Photo by PBOT.

(March 27, 2026) The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has closed SW Fairmount Boulevard to vehicle traffic for a landslide just south of SW Sherwood Place. SW Fairmount remains open to pedestrians and people on bikes.

Vehicle traffic is only allowed for local access on SW Fairmount Boulevard between SW Marquam Hill Road and SW Mt. Adams Drive.

PBOT expects a full or partial closure to remain in place into the summer. A website has been established to provide more information, including a way for the public to sign up for updates by email.

The closure was put in place in response to a large landslide that occurred on March 12, following an atmospheric river that deposited several inches of rain in the Portland area during the preceding days. The landslide affected adjacent properties and the public right-of-way. It tore away at the eastern edge of Fairmount's asphalt roadway, exposing underlying soils and conduit runs. The landslide accumulated debris and vegetation as the slide path continued east, down the hillside.

The area is currently signed and barricaded to prevent people from getting too close to the landslide area, which is an active work zone and presents safety risks to the traveling public.

All travelers need to obey posted warning signs, detours, and closures. Conditions can change quickly and PBOT will be monitoring the area.

In the coming weeks, PBOT and Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) will be performing investigative activities in the field. Survey crews are actively working in the landslide area to collect topographic, right-of-way, and utilities field data.

Starting next week, a contractor will be performing soil borings using a truck-mounted drill rig and a portable drill rig lowered to the toe of the slide plain via crane. PBOT and BES will use the data from these investigative activities to develop solutions that will be implemented later this spring and summer.

For more information about the project, see:
Project website
Sign up for email updates

David Amiton
Capital Project Manager
david.amiton@portlandoregon.gov
503-823-8545

For information about how the city responds to winter weather emergencies, a list of winter related road impacts, and preparation tips, see the PBOT Get Home Safe weather emergencies website.

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