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Label:
Traffic advisory
Avoid travel delays: Enter the park area from the north, at the intersection of NE Fremont and NE 91st Avenue.
Published
Updated
This map shows two-way traffic to be allowed only north of the area where PBOT crews will be repairing and replacing the erosion control system that protects a hillside along NE Rocky Butte Road. Map by Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT).
(June 23, 2026) Crews with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) will start repairing a hillside from erosion, requiring the closure of one lane of NE Rocky Butte Road starting June 26, lasting all hours, all days, through the end of the summer.
Visitors to the Rocky Butte Natural Area and the scenic viewpoint at the top, Joseph Wood Hill Park, should enter and exit from the north, via the intersection of NE Fremont St and NE 91st Avenue.
To ensure safety and limit traffic congestion during the closure, PBOT will post signs directing travelers to avoid entering the area from the south, via the the intersection of NE Russell Street, NE 92nd Avenue and NE Rocky Butte Road.
On the southern side, the road will be closed to through traffic. Access to houses uphill and downhill from the work zone will be allowed.
During the lane closure on this narrow, winding road, everyone should use caution when traveling in the area.
Avoid travel delays: Enter the park area from the north, at the intersection of NE Fremont and NE 91st Avenue.
For details and updates, see the project website: Rocky Butte Slope Paving Failure Response.
This work is weather-dependent, and the schedule may change.
Project designed for historical area
Rocky Butte, originally known as "Mowitch Illihee" to the indigenous Chinook Tribe, is widely known for its historic stone construction throughout the area which includes Joseph Wood Hill Park, Rocky Butte Tunnel and numerous stone retaining walls and slope paving (stones laid against slopes to protect from erosion) along NE Rocky Butte Road.
In 2019, a small area of slope paving was showing signs of imminent failure with dislodged stones, voids and lateral movement of the base. After consultation with geotechnical engineers, PBOT selected an updated repair plan which meets current engineering standards, rather than replacing the existing system in-kind.
The historical nature of this location required additional consultation from local Native Tribes which include the Grande Ronde, Siletz and Warm Springs. A Memorandum of Agreement between PBOT and the State Historic Preservation Office was also required before construction could begin.
"Slope paving" may look like a wall to the general public. But the difference is that paving simply covers and protects a hillside, while a wall is built to do that and also provide structural strength.
The new stone-filled gabion mattress system will make use of natural stones to harmonize with the existing adjacent historic stonework and then be wrapped in an engineered metal fabric for increased stability.
The updated system will be founded on a concrete footing to create a solid foundation. It is designed to prevent further erosion of the hillside, while minimizing any impact on the roadway and public right-of-way.
The work will occur in several phases over the coming months, so people in the area may see some periods of inactivity.
For questions and construction phase details, especially for people who live in the area, see the project website:
Rocky Butte Slope Paving Failure Response
The rock covering on this hillside on NE Rocky Butte Road needs to be replaced with a more durable system, with work zone access for crews requiring a closure of the lane closest to the hill, starting on Friday. Crews will install a more durable system of erosion control, requiring a lane closure through the rest of the summer. Photo by PBOT.
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