Looking for a place to view Monday's eclipse in downtown Portland? Don't head for a public parking garage.

Portland's transportation bureau said it would close the roofs of its SmartPark garages from 8 p.m. Sunday to noon Monday because it was concerned about crowding.

Bureau spokesman Dylan Rivera said a parking garage deck with people standing shoulder-to-shoulder could pose a structural risk.

"We don't anticipate problems, but we don't want to entertain the possibility of problems," Rivera said.

The SmartPark garages with roof decks are located at Southwest Third and Alder; Fourth and Yamhill; 10th and Yamhill; and First and Jefferson.

The other floors of the garages will remain open. The bureau has previously closed garage roofs during winter storms because of snow and ice.

The city is also advising commuters to expect severe traffic congestion in the days before and after the eclipse.

During the eclipse, the bureau is asking residents not to stand or park in the street or on rail tracks in search of a better view.

-- Elliot Njus

enjus@oregonian.com

503-294-5034

@enjus