Community Advisory Group helped us build a bridge with lasting legacy

From ODOT-

The
soon-to-be-open Whilamut Passage Bridge is a tribute to the designers,
builders, project managers, volunteer community members and officials who
worked together to make it a success. 

Before
construction began, ODOT promised to incorporate community values and ideas
into the bridge design, and to leave the project area in better shape than
before construction began.  

The
project’s Community Advisory Group has been integral to our accomplishing this
goal. They have been meeting since 2007 and just held their final meeting.  

Members
have included representatives from local neighborhoods, recreation groups,
local artists, architects, the University of Oregon and the Citizen Planning
Committee for the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park and Eastgate
Woodlands. The group functions in an advisory role and provides recommendations
to a multi-agency project development team, which then makes recommendations to
ODOT. 

The
CAG participated in important decisions such as the deck-arch design of the new
bridge, community involvement activities and the selection of design
enhancements. Members volunteered over 1,300 hours in meetings, open houses and
countless other community activities. 

“The
Community Advisory Group has been a valuable partner in helping ODOT address
community concerns and build a project that reflects the history and culture of
the area,” said Karl Wieseke, ODOT project manager.  

“Thanks
to the work of CAG members, this $204 million bridge replacement project has
maintained strong public interest in and support for good design that
complements the surrounding parks and Whilamut Natural Area. Their efforts and
advocacy for excellence will have a lasting impact for decades to come,”
Wieseke said.