February 2010: Project Update
ODOT staff have been working on final preparations for construction bids for the bridge rehabilitation. It is expected that the contract will be awarded late this spring and preliminary work is likely to start this summer.
The agency has worked extensively with local community and business leaders, and ODOT’s strategy incorporates the concerns they have expressed. Key points include:
• Strategically timed closure. ODOT will not start the planned two-year closure until January, 2011, at the earliest. Prior to the full closure, however, the bridge will be closed briefly, a handful of times for inspections.
• A different kind of contracting process. Instead of selecting the lowest bidder, project managers are using a special contracting process to retain a primary contractor who has the specific experience needed to do this work effectively and quickly.
• Thorough inspection. ODOT plans to conduct an additional inspection suggested in the Federal Highway Administration’s review of the project. The results of the inspection will help project leaders create an accurate timeline for the work. ODOT staff and an engineering contractor will inspect the arch ribs of the bridge with ultrasonic equipment in late March or early April. To conduct this inspection, the sidewalk—one side at a time--will need to be closed for one month.
ODOT will share further details as they become available.
December 2009: Project Update
The results of the Federal Highway Administration’s report which reviewed the bridge construction plans and looked at similar projects in the U.S is now available. It was conducted at the request of ODOT and local FHWA Administrator Philip Ditzler. The report was conducted as a result of the meeting called by Oregon House Speaker Dave Hunt in September.
The FHWA report contains information that indicates “The review team was unable to identify a bridge rehabilitation project which is similar in bridge type and scope to the Oregon City Arch Bridge.”
The report further recommends that ODOT look more closely into three areas to more fully ascertain the needed repairs. These areas include the stringers (part of the bridge deck supports), the areas where the arch penetrates the bridge deck and the areas where the arch of the bridge meets the river bank. Read the FHWA report here.
As a result, ODOT will reschedule the bid-let date to the Spring of 2010. At this point it is expected that the bridge closure would occur sometime in early 2011, when the contractor schedules the closure work. ODOT will continue to work with the contractor to keep the bridge closure as short as possible. Until work is underway, there are still potentially unforeseen risks and unknowns to this project due to its unique nature.
ODOT is taking these extra steps to better understand the risks and needs of the project. FHWA and ODOT are working cooperatively in partnership to bring this report, a new resource, to this unique project.
Media coverage on the FHWA report:
The Oregonian
KGW-TV
November 2009: Project Update
• The Bicycle/Pedestrian Work Group has concluded its work. After carefully studying seven options, the Work Group is recommending that ODOT provide shuttle service to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians during the expected two-year closure of the bridge. Read a full copy of the report by clicking here.
October 2009: Project Update
• In September 2009, Region 1 Manager Jason Tell met with local legislators and business people to update them on the project and to announce that City of Oregon City will receive a $35,000 Transportation Growth Management Quick Response grant to pay for a Main Street traffic circulation study. ODOT worked closely with the City to prepare the grant application.
• ODOT has also worked with the City of Oregon City to assist with their funding request for Main Street Corridor Streetscape improvements. Possible funding sources include federal stimulus funds or Transportation Enhancements grant.
• ODOT conducted a constructability review of the project. Four representatives of two bridge construction firms toured the bridge and discussed how long they thought the project would take and possible options to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians during construction. The contractors stated that they expect construction work to require a two-year closure of the bridge. ODOT will make it clear to all contractors bidding on the project that it is a priority to reopen the bridge as soon as possible and contract language will be written to address it.
• The bicycle and pedestrian work group has continued to meet to examine alternatives for getting bicycle and pedestrian access across the river during construction. Under considerations are a shuttle service, a separate bridge, use of I-205 and a water crossing. After several meetings, the group has eliminated all but the shuttle service and possible access across the bridge. A final report is expected this month.
• A public involvement and outreach plan has been developed detailing ODOT's plans to inform Oregon City and West Linn area residents, businesses, bicyclists, pedestrians, commuters and elected officials about the project on a regular basis. ODOT will use multiple media sources and electronic methods to provide the updates.
March 2009: Load Limit Effective March 4, 2009
The Oregon Department of Transportation is placing a new weight restriction to the Willamette River Bridge. The historic bridge built in 1922 connects Oregon City and West Linn. The structure will be closed to all commercial motor vehicles and all vehicles weighing more than 14 tons, effective Wednesday, March 4, 2009.
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