A power pole fire shut down US 26 in both directions Monday night, Oct. 26, closing the highway for roughly 11 hours and suspending MAX train service in Washington County.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) said on X just after 11 p.m. Monday that firefighters had the blaze under control on Southwest Barnes Road. The damaged pole was threatening both Highway 26 and nearby MAX light rail infrastructure near the OR 217 exit.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) closed all lanes of US 26 between the OR 217 exit and the Sylvan Road exit. The highway remained shut through the Tuesday morning rush. As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, traffic was backed up on Barnes Road near the closure, The Oregonian reported.

ODOT reopened all lanes by 10 a.m. Tuesday, KOIN reported.

The disruption wasn't over. KGW reported that rolling slowdowns were planned on Highway 26 around 7 p.m. Tuesday evening so utility crews could finish replacing damaged lines. ODOT gave no estimated time of completion for that work.

MAX service halted

TriMet's MAX Red and Blue lines stopped running near Sunset Transit Center because of the power outage, according to the transit agency's service alerts. TriMet directed riders to shuttle buses running between Beaverton Transit Center and the Galleria/Library stops. It is unclear when full MAX service was restored.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office warned the road could be closed for an "extended time" due to the electrical hazard, according to KOIN.

Hundreds lose power

Portland General Electric (PGE) reported hundreds of customers in the area lost power. PGE spokesperson John Farmer told KOIN the cause was a pole-top fire.

"A pole-top fire can occur after a long dry stretch when dust and other contaminants can build up on equipment at the top of a pole," Farmer said.

PGE noted these fires are rare but said utilities are "prepared to respond" to them. PGE crews worked to take down and replace the damaged pole, according to KGW. No official cause determination from TVF&R or a fire investigator has been reported.

Drivers needing real-time road conditions can check ODOT's TripCheck website. Residents can report electrical hazards by calling 911.