Why there was a 7-mile backup Friday on southbound I-5 in Marion County

Traffic was tied up for miles south of Interstate 5 for most of the day Friday as shoppers flooded into the Woodburn Premium Outlets.

Southbound traffic was backed up seven miles Friday afternoon between Woodburn exit 271 and northbound Donald-Aurora exit 278.

“No parking” signs were posted along Interstate 5 next to the shopping center Thursday.

Traffic was backed up on southbound Interstate 5 in Woodburn on Friday afternoon.iat"/>

Traffic was backed up on southbound Interstate 5 in Woodburn on Friday afternoon.

Some drivers posted on social media that the best option to enter the area was to stay in the far left lane of the freeway. Others suggested bypassing the highway by taking Highway 99E.

Another detour is to get off the freeway at the Donald-Aurora Interchange, turn right on Ehlen Road, then left on Butteville Road past Donald into Woodburn, turn left on Woodland Ave. and following signs to shopping centers.

Southbound Interstate 5 traffic was backed up from Donald to Woodburn on Friday, as crowds headed to the Woodburn Premium Outlets on Black Friday.mva"/>

Southbound Interstate 5 traffic was backed up from Donald to Woodburn on Friday, as crowds headed to the Woodburn Premium Outlets on Black Friday.

In addition to heavy traffic from holiday shoppers, an accident was also reported Friday afternoon north of the Donald-Aurora exit, according to TripCheck.com.

Bill Poehler covers Marion and Polk County for the Statesman Journal. Contact him at bpoehler@StatesmanJournal.com

This article originally appeared on the Salem Statesman Journal: Southbound Interstate 5 was backed up from Donald to Woodburn on Black Friday.

Leave a Comment