5 Tips for Avoiding Traffic on I-5 Northbound in Portland, Oregon

Rush hour traffic on I-5 North near Marine Drive in Portland, Oregon is some of the worst in the Portland Metro Area. The heavy traffic is largely the result of residents of Vancouver, Washington returning from their jobs across the Columbia River in Portland. If your commute involves a lengthy wait on I-5, try one of the following 5 tips to save yourself from the time and frustration of sitting in traffic.

Carpool and use the HOV lane. The HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane is for vehicles carrying two or more passengers. Need help finding a carpool to join? Try Carpool Match Northwest. Carpooling will shorten your commute, and you'll save money on gas on the days you don't drive. Tip: Don't use the HOV land when driving alone. The fine you'll pay if your caught isn't worth the time you'll save.

Take I-84 East to I-205 North. The I-205 Bridge across the Columbia is usually less congested than its I-5 counterpart. Be sure to check the traffic report before taking this alternate route, or you may end up exchanging the traffic on I-5 for the traffic on I-84.

Adjust your travel time. Peak travel time on I-5 North is from 5pm-6pm. If you're driving during this time because your workday ends at 5pm, ask your boss if changing your work schedule is an option. Leaving earlier or later can save you valuable time. You may also want ask if working from home may be an option a few days a week. Working from home reduces your commute time to zero.

Check traffic reports before you leave. While most news and radio stations offer traffic updates, many Portlanders tune into 1190 AM for traffic news. You can also dial 511 for traffic reports from ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation). If traffic on I-5 is exceptionally bad and I-205 isn't an option, consider delaying your trip and having dinner with a friend or going shopping.

Consider taking the bus. If you commute from Vancouver to downtown Portland, consider taking the C-Tran #105 I-5 Express. More commuters are switching to public transportation to save money and reduce their impact on the environment. Tip: C-Tran (Vancouver's public transportation system) does not honor Tri-Met (Portland's public transportation system) passes.