The Oregon Department of Transportation is inviting public input on the use of congestion pricing to help improve travel times on Interstates 5 and 205 in the Portland metro area.

Congestion pricing is basically tolling on specific parts of the freeway intended to improve traffic flow. Congestion pricing systems charge higher prices for driving on a road when demand is greater. ODOT is asking for public input during a series of open house events and online. The next live event is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at Lloyd Center, Level 1 near the ice rink, 2201 Lloyd Center Street. Read more about upcoming public input events here.

The survey on polling is required because of a directive from the Oregon legislature to look at congestion alternatives. Keep Oregon Moving directs the Oregon Transportation Commission to develop a proposal for value pricing on I-5 and I-205 from the state line to the junction of the two freeways just south of Tualatin, to reduce congestion.

The final live event will be held Tuesday, January 30 in Vancouver.

THE PEARL 9:15 a.m.; Serious crash involving a semi currently has all southbound lanes blocked of I-405 near Everett Street. Left lane blocked on I-405 northbound as well. Avoid.



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INNER SOUTHEAST 7:52 a.m.; Injury crash on Southeast 26th Avenue and Belmont Street.



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SOUTHEAST PORTLAND 6:45 a.m.; Medical crews are on the scene of a crash involving a pedestrian at Southeast Burnside Street at 14th Avenue.



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SANDY 6:30 a.m.; A early morning fatal crash involving a semi has two lanes of U.S. 26 close just west of Sandy (near the Safeway). Traffic is getting by in one lane each west and east bound. Expect delays as this investigation continues.



Update 9:15 a.m.; All lanes now open.

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The Historic Columbia River Highway bridge of the Sandy River (U.S. 30) will be closed to vehicle traffic 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28 (and also Feb. 4) for pressure washing. Bicyclists can still use the bridge during the work. Vehicles will be directed to an alternate route.

Reminder: An uptick in landslide repairs on OR 213 due to new slide activity has OR 213 down to one lane (total) near South Eldorado Road north of Mulino. Travelers should expect delays up to 20 minutes on OR 213 and possibly longer delays during commute times. ODOT will continue to flag traffic through the areas for the foreseeable future.

Drilling work continues on repairs to the roadway that were already in progress before pavement began to crack earlier in January. ODOT notes that the road remains safe and that crews are monitoring conditions daily.

Speeds on this stretch of OR 213 have also been reduced to 45 mph (from 55 mph). Use caution in the area.

South Eldorado Road is also closed at its southern intersection with OR 213. A detour route advises area residents to use Union Hall Road as an option.

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