Close up pictures of the new beams

From ODOT- This blog gives people an opportunity to see components of the Willamette River Bridge construction up-close that they otherwise wouldn't get to see. Now that the arch ribs have been successfully jacked, work has begun on the next stage of the bridge; placing precast beams.

The concrete structures shown below are precast beams that will eventually support the bridge deck over the project's graceful arches. Unlike the arches and other bridge components-- which we are building, forming and pouring on site-- these beams were brought in already formed; we simply put them into place.

The wood handrails on top of the beams are part of a temporary walkway that allows workers to move from one arch to the other without having to go up and down stairs.

Contractors laterally brace the falsework used to frame and pour the arches to ensure they're the same distance apart and remain aligned as work continues. As shown below, these braces have an impressive appearance both from a distance and up close.