A lot more bridge to see

From ODOT-If you have not been by the Willamette River Bridge project recently, make the time to do so. Even during the rain, snow, cold and windy conditions this winter and spring, a lot of progress was made. The graceful arches crossing the river are the most noticeable feature of the new southbound Interstate 5 bridge. But be sure to notice the steel supports and falsework from the north bank of the river to the south, where the new bridge joins I-5. Construction workers can now walk from the north to the south end of the bridge, above ground. Crews are forming and pouring the final support beams for the bridge deck. In preparation for paving the bridge deck, forms are built on top of the beams, and rebar is installed and tied. Already, portions of the deck have been poured on the north side of the river as well as sections on the south side joining I-5. Over the next couple of months, crews will pourt the rest of the concrete to complete the deck on the south side of the river. The deck over the river, supported by the arches, is the largest pour and cannot take place until all the north and south portions of the deck are complete. With the arrival of spring and better weather, take time to look more closely at the new bridge from one of the pedestrian paths near the project. There's a lot more bridge to see! The southbound bridge is on schedule to open to traffic in early fall.