As of the first of the new year, drivers will only need to report crashes where the damage to one or more vehicles (or to property) exceeds $2,500. The old dollar amount, in place since 2004, was $1,500.

According to a recent release from the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles, Senate bill 35 raised the threshold to reflect increase in costs to repair vehicles. The increase in the dollar amount is expected to help streamline staff time spent on crash reports and focus data on more serious incidents.

Drivers also need to report a crash if any vehicle is towed from the scene, if there is injury or death, or if damage to property exceeds $2,500.

Drivers can download crash report forms at www.oregonDMV.com

DOWNTOWN 8:47 a.m.; Injury crash reported at Southwest 14th Avenue and Alder Street.



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SOUTHEAST PORTLAND 8:37 a.m.; Non-injury crash involving a police vehicle at Southeast 85th Avenue and Stark Street.



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SOUTHWEST PORTLAND 7:42 a.m.; Crash on Southwest Multnomah Boulevard near 45th Avenue.



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WASHINGTON COUNTY: Southwest River Road, between Rosedale and Farmington road will be closed now through Dec. 27 for culvert repairs. A detour has been posted.

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GLENN JACKSON BRIDGE 6:50 a.m.; Stalled vehicle blocks the left lane on the I-205 southbound side of the Glenn Jackson Bridge. Traffic out of east Vancouver is already very heavy due to an earlier crash on I-205.



Update 7:05 a.m.; Cleared.

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The westbound SR 14 off-ramp to Evergreen Boulevard is closed 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through Friday, Dec 15 for work on a City of Vancouver water system improvement project.



Drivers should watch for signs indicating traffic changes and be alert to construction activity. During non-work hours, motorcycle riders should take care and watch for steel plates over portions of the roadway.

Check back throughout the morning for the latest commuting updates and follow us on Twitter: @trafficportland (https://twitter.com/@trafficportland)