Why replace the Willamette River Bridge?

From ODOT- Looking forward to upcoming project milestones provides a new opportunity to explain why the bridge is being replaced in the first place.



In 2002, our inspectors found sheer cracks in the original Interstate 5 bridge. Because of safety concerns, we immediately imposed weight limits, causing heavy-haul trucks to detour 200 miles through central Oregon. Based on the condition of the old bridge and current safety standards, ODOT determined that it was not feasible to simply repair it.



Building the temporary bridge in 2004 allowed heavy-haul traffic to once again use I-5 to cross the Willamette. However, the temporary bridge used materials and methods that could be installed quickly and does not meet environmental, design or seismic standards for permanent freeway bridges.



When completed, both new bridges will meet current safety standards, accommodate up to three lanes of traffic and have a design life of 100 years.