U.S. 26 (Sunset Highway) eastbound, approaching Portland
Eastbound U.S. 26 (Sunset Highway) approaches the Vista Ridge Tunnel as it passes exit 73. Overhead signs prepare traffic to segregate into three lanes, one for northbound I-405, one for eastbound U.S. 26 and southbound I-405, and one for downtown. Photo taken by Matt Strieby 6/19/05.
No lane changes are allowed once the eastbound Sunset Highway enters the tunnel. Photos taken by Matt Strieby 6/19/05.
Emerging from the tunnel, drivers are greeted by downtown Portland's skyline. The three lanes will split from each other as eastbound U.S. 26 approaches the interchange with I-405 (Stadium Freeway). Photo taken by Matt Strieby 6/19/05.
U.S. 26 (Sunset Highway) westbound, departing Portland
Shortly after exiting I-405 in downtown Portland, U.S. 26 (Sunset Highway) passes through the Vista Ridge Tunnel. Photos taken by Matt Strieby 12/26/05.
Departing from the west end of the tunnel, westbound Sunset Highway passes through a densely wooded area as it climbs a moderate grade up Sylvan Hill. Numerous attractions, including the Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, and Children's Museum, can be reached by taking exit 72. Photos taken by Matt Strieby 12/26/05.
U.S. 26 reaches exit 71B, which connects with Scholls Ferry Road and Skyline Boulevard, at the the top of Sylvan. At 761 feet in elevation, the hill's summit can sometimes impose winter driving hazards, even though it may only be raining in other parts of the city. Portland city limits lie just beyond the exit. Photos taken by Matt Strieby 12/26/05.
U.S. 26 (Powell Blvd.)
U.S. 26 shield, looking west along Powell Boulevard near Miliwaukie Avenue on the east side of the Willamette River. A sign in the background directs traffic toward Oregon 99E, but motorists must turn right on 9th Avenue and follow side streets as there is no direct interchange. Photo taken by Matt Strieby 3/21/08.
The same shield above in an expanded view. Powell Boulevard crosses the Willamette River via the Ross Island Bridge a few blocks west of here. Photo taken by Matt Strieby 3/21/08.
Looking east on Powell, traffic is also directed toward Oregon 99E. 99E isn't routed down 17th Avenue, but you can head south on 17th to connect with the state highway at McLoughlin Boulevard. Photo taken by Matt Strieby 3/21/08.
Powell Boulevard and Milwaukie Avenue, looking east. Photo taken by Matt Strieby 3/21/08.
U.S. 26 shield and a Portland street sign at the corner of Powell Boulevard and Milwaukie Avenue, looking south. The "3000" block indicated on the street sign announces that Powell is the start of the 3000 block for Milwaukie Avenue (not the 3000 block of Powell Blvd.) Photo taken by Matt Strieby 3/21/08.
