There's no snow or ice (even in the mountain passes) so that's the good news. The bad news is that even if your morning commute to work or school is a breeze, the afternoon slog promises to be heavy and long.

AAA and other agencies expect the hours between 3 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday to be the heaviest travel times in the Portland metro area. Best advice is to leave early, or plan on plenty of extra travel time.

Those using public transportation might not fare any better. Buses can get stuck in traffic jams and run far behind schedule. MAX trains, especially to the Portland airport, could be very crowded. Pack your patience.

If you're driving, make sure to fill the tank and check the tires. Let's all get there safely.

HISTORIC COLUMBIA RIVER HIGHWAY 9 a.m.; ODOT reports the Historic Columbia River Highway is now open in both directions between Vista House and Bridal Veil. The remainder of the highway should open by Nov. 30th. The highway has been closed since Sept 4 when the Eagle Creek Fire damaged the roadway and hillsides.



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SUNSET TRANSIT CENTER 7:18 a.m.; Driver ran away from this crash on OR 217 northbound ramp to U.S. 26 westbound. Police are on the scene, but expect this one to take a while as they look for the driver. Left lane blocked.



Update 7:54 a.m.; Cleared. Trains returning to regular schedules with 15 minute delays through 8:30 a.m.



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SOUTHEAST PORTLAND 7:04 a.m.; Injury crash on Southeast Holgate at 84th Avenue.

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VANCOUVER 6:19 a.m.; Spun out vehicle facing the wrong direction SR 14 eastbound just after the exit to I-205 south. Not blocking.



Update 6:59 a.m.; Cleared.

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Most road construction projects take a break during Thanksgiving week. Not so in Vancouver.

Drivers using the southbound I-205 on-ramp from Northeast 18th Street will see intermittent single-lane and shoulder closures 6 a.m- 6 p.m., Wednesday, for roadside maintenance and cleanup.

Daily traffic reports

Check back throughout the morning for the latest commuting updates and follow us on Twitter: @trafficportland