Happy New Year: where we've been and where we're going

From ODOT- People observing the construction of the Willamette River Bridge project often ask when it will be done. The new year is a good time for an update.

In the spring of 2010, the Hamilton Construction team began drilling and filling the bridge foundations. By summer they were constructing the wooden framework for arches and last fall the concrete was taking shape. Just last month, crews started jacking the arches apart, supplying the tension that will allow the arches to support the bridge deck. They also started pouring the final crown to complete the arches' graceful curves.

Next crews will add the beams that will carry the deck of the I-5 bridge before pouring the concrete that will become the roadway. This will be the focus of the first part of the year and by fall motorists will be driving on the new southbound bridge.

From late 2011 to early 2012, contractors will demolish the temporary bridge that's now carrying traffic and begin work on the new northbound bridge. We'll repeat the entire process to build the northbound I-5 bridge.

The project team will complete the second bridge in the fall of 2013. Northbound traffic will then move to the new bridge.

Finally, contractors will install design enhancements in the park and open space around the bridge. The entire project will be complete by spring of 2014.