News Summary
A construction worker was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle on I-84 in Portland while managing traffic. The episode occurred near NE 148th Avenue, prompting emergency services to transport the worker to the hospital. The driver, who crashed into a barrier following the incident, is currently cooperating with police. Authorities closed several westbound lanes to facilitate the investigation, causing significant traffic delays. The incident highlights the dangers faced by road workers and the need for enhanced safety measures in construction zones.
Portland
A construction worker sustained serious injuries following a crash on I-84 in Portland on Thursday night. The incident took place near NE 148th Avenue just before 9:15 p.m., according to reports from the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The worker, who was identified as a flagger or traffic control worker, was struck by a vehicle while carrying out their duties on the freeway. After colliding with the worker, the driver lost control and crashed into a barrier. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, and the injured worker was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The driver remained at the crash site and is currently cooperating with the police investigation. As of now, it is unclear whether the driver will face any charges related to the incident. The investigation is being conducted by the Portland Police Traffic Division Major Crash Team, which is working to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
In response to the accident, authorities closed all westbound lanes of I-84 between NE 181st Avenue and NE 148th Avenue to facilitate the investigation and cleanup efforts. Additionally, access ramps west of NE 181st Avenue have also been closed, causing significant traffic congestion in the area. Travel disruptions are expected, and westbound drivers are being advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the area.
The Oregon Department of Transportation has also indicated that there may be potential impacts on eastbound traffic due to the ongoing situation. Updates regarding the condition of the injured construction worker and further details about the crash will be provided as the story develops.
Background of the Incident
Construction workers often face hazardous conditions while performing their duties on roadways. This incident highlights the dangers that traffic control personnel encounter daily as they manage traffic flows in work zones. Such workers play a critical role in maintaining safety and efficiency on highways, making their protection a priority for both employers and regulatory agencies.
Historically, accidents involving construction workers and vehicles on busy highways have raised awareness about the need for stricter safety measures and greater driver vigilance in construction zones. Efforts to enhance the safety of these workers include improved signage, increased public education about roadwork zones, and increased penalties for drivers who do not adhere to traffic control instructions.
Traffic Safety Measures
In response to incidents like the one on I-84, transportation agencies are regularly assessing and updating their safety measures for construction zones. This includes deploying flaggers, utilizing advanced warning signs, and employing traffic cones and barriers strategically to alert drivers of upcoming construction areas.
As the investigation continues and further details emerge regarding the crash on I-84, authorities emphasize the importance of exercising caution while driving through construction zones to protect not only workers but all road users. Drivers are reminded to stay alert and adhere to posted speed limits and traffic directions, especially in areas where construction work is being conducted.
As of Friday morning, updates regarding the condition of the construction worker and the ongoing investigation are still awaited.
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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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