News Summary
A construction worker was badly hurt in a collision on Interstate 84 in Portland when a vehicle struck them while they were directing traffic. The driver remained at the scene, and an investigation is underway by the Portland Police Traffic Division. Significant traffic disruptions have occurred due to the incident, with all westbound lanes closed. The situation raises concerns about the safety of construction workers in traffic management roles.
Portland – A construction worker was seriously injured in a crash on Interstate 84 in Portland on Thursday night, just before 9:15 p.m. The incident occurred near NE 148th Avenue, where a vehicle struck a construction worker who was operating in the area, likely serving as a flagger or traffic control personnel.
The collision was serious enough to send the worker to a local hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment for life-threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle involved in the accident remained at the scene and is cooperating with law enforcement officials. As of now, it remains unclear if any charges will be filed against the driver.
The Portland Police Traffic Division’s Major Crash Team has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. This team specializes in examining road accidents to gain a better understanding of how they occur and to determine accountability.
As a result of the crash, all westbound lanes of I-84 have been closed off between NE 181st and NE 148th, leading to significant traffic disruptions. Access ramps to the west of NE 181st Avenue have also been closed. Drivers heading westbound are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid congestion as emergency crews respond to the scene.
Additionally, the Oregon Department of Transportation has cautioned that the traffic delays may potentially affect eastbound traffic as well, urging all motorists in the area to remain alert to changing road conditions.
This incident highlights the ongoing dangers that construction workers face on the job, particularly those who are involved in traffic control operations. Working on roadways poses unique risks, as construction teams often interact closely with public traffic. In Oregon, there have been ongoing educational and legislative efforts aimed at improving driver awareness of construction zones and enhancing the safety of construction workers.
As this story is still developing, further updates are expected. The investigation by the Portland Police Traffic Division is likely to provide more clarity on the events leading up to the crash and evaluate the responsibility of the driver involved.
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Additional Resources
- KPTV: All lanes of I-84 westbound closed due to crash
- Wikipedia: Interstate 84
- KGW: Serious crash closes Interstate 84 westbound
- Google Search: I-84 crash Portland
- KATU: Crash on I-84 seriously injures traffic control worker
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety Construction Zones
- KOIN: Pedestrian seriously injured after I-84 W crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- OregonLive: Tesla driver struck killed in crash on I-84
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BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
