Ahead of protests, concrete barriers placed on Naito

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The city is putting down nearly half a mile of concrete barriers along Waterfront Park ahead of Saturday’s protests.

In order to do this, crews are closing down northbound traffic on Naito Parkway on Friday until 4 p.m. and again on Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PBOT said these barriers will ultimately cost the city $50K.

“There’s cranes and forklifts, which is why we’ve had to close that entire lane,” said John Brady, PBOTs communication director.

PBOT is working with Portland police to increase safety for people in the Waterfront Park area as opposing protestors who have clashed in the past have planned demonstrations.

“Depending on what happens Saturday, there may be closed streets downtown and police will be making those decisions on an as-needed basis,” said Brady.

The protest comes near the anniversary of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, where a car rammed into a crowd of people and killed a woman.

City officials are taking all precautions that they see necessary to make the event safe. People should expect delays downtown and use alternate routes if possible.

PBOT is asking everyone to travel cautiously and to respect the closures.