Temporary bridge piers lifeted out of river

From ODOT-The last phase of disassembling the temporary bridge over the Willamette River was lifting the piers out of the river. Divers cut the piers flush with the river bottom, so nothing was left to obstruct fish passage or river users.

A large work bridge supported the heavy equipment that lifted the piers. It was also used as the work platform to demolish the piers and separate material for recycling or reuse. In addition, it prevented any debris from falling in the river.

High-capacity cranes on the work bridge held each pier steady as it was cut and then lifted out of the water. Crews drilled 3-inch diameter holes through each pier, inserted a large bolt, then attached cables from the cranes to the bolt.

The piers weighted 6,500 pounds per foot. Each crane lifted up to 80,000 pounds depending on the length of each segment. Once out of the water, each pier segment was set aside for the demolition activity.

Now that all the piers are removed, bridge demolition over the Willamette River is complete and we are ready to build the new northbound bridge.

These pictures show crews placing a temporary bridge pier from the river onto the work bridge.

Before crews can cut the piers for removal, they must dive in and torch the steel casings that envelop the piers.