Preparing for traffic to cross the new bridge

From ODOT - When the new southbound Interstate 5 Willamette River Bridge opens later this summer, it will temporarily carry all I-5 traffic until the new northbound bridge is completed.

In addition to completing the bridge, our focus is also now on the related improvements needed before traffic is switched over.

The original bridge had two southbound traffic lanes, with narrow shoulders that did not meet today’s safety standards. The new southbound bridge will accommodate up to three traffic lanes and wider shoulders in its final configuration, with two lanes in each direction during construction of the new northbound bridge.

To connect the existing I-5 travel lanes with the new bridge, the lanes must be widened and the shoulders rebuilt. Then, new stripes must be added to both the lanes and shoulders to temporarily direct northbound and southbound traffic across the southbound bridge.

Work on the lanes north of the Willamette River Bridge is nearly complete. Contractors used reinforced concrete here for the travel lanes rather than asphalt, because concrete is more durable. Asphalt paving will be placed on the shoulders, finished with shoulder aggregate on the outside edges.

Other lane work remains before the new bridge opens to traffic. The lanes connecting the main span to I-5 south of Franklin Boulevard will also be widened and repaved. Rebuilding the traffic lanes on the north and south ends of the bridge is one of the final steps before opening.