Why are those big boards going up on the beautiful new bridge?

From ODOT-

We continue to receive positive feedback about the new southbound bridge, especially the three-tube railing that allows travelers to see the river.



However, bridge users will notice the return of “gawk boards” to the east side of the bridge railing that will temporarily block the view during upcoming construction work.



Our contractor is installing “gawk boards” before demolishing the temporary bridge and building the new northbound bridge. The “gawk boards” provide for the safety of those traveling across the bridge and were also used during construction of the southbound bridge.



All of us are familiar with driving on the freeway and being unexpectedly slowed by travelers gawking at something along the road. This unexpected slowing increases the potential for major crashes involving multiple vehicles. The “gawk boards” will block views of the construction activity on the new bridge and decrease the risk of traffic slowing down to look.



The boards will also help protect the workers below from loose objects falling on them from vehicles crossing the bridge.



For your safety and that of the workers below, the “gawk boards” will stay up until construction of the new northbound bridge is complete, and traffic is using both of the new bridges.