Banks of the Willamette River improved

From ODOT-

Making the area better than we found it is a primary goal of the Willamette River Bridge project. Restoration of newly created open space, as described below, is just one example of the actions we are taking to achieve this goal.



In 2002, an engineering analysis identified the need to replace the bridge. In 2004, a temporary bridge provided an interim solution, allowing Interstate 5 to be reopened to freight traffic. To build the temporary bridge, ODOT acquired additional right of way to the east of the existing I-5 lanes and bridge and installed embankment material to support the temporary roadway.



The area is adjacent to the Eastgate Woodlands of the Whilamut Natural Area. An agreement between ODOT and Willamalane Park and Recreation District established conditions for the use and the restoration of the area once the project is complete.



Now that the detour bridge is gone, much of the embankment has been hauled away. We will remove the remaining material after the temporary Canoe Canal Bridge is disassembled in June. Restoration and enhancement of the area will complete this part of the project.



We will add native plants and an irrigation system for watering in the dry summer months. Native trees, shrubs and grasses will replace non-native species, which thrived in the area before construction began.

Most of the embankment material is now gone from this area just east of I-5 looking north.



When the temporary Canoe Canal Bridge is demolished, the remaining embankment material will be removed. The guardrails on the temporary bridge can be seen on the top of the embankment.