As Portland braces for a significant five-week closure of the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 near the Rose Quarter, traffic disruptions are expected to affect daily commutes for drivers, school children, and city workers. The City of Portland has announced measures to alleviate the impact, including providing free TriMet transit passes for all employees. The closure, anticipated to start soon, comes with warnings of heavy delays and potential backups reaching into Vancouver. Local officials encourage residents to plan ahead, explore alternative transportation options, and avoid neighborhood cut-throughs. Motorists and truckers alike are urged to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, as various agencies detail their strategies to manage the situation.