Close Coordination with Utilities is Required

From ODOT-  The need for close coordination with the local utilities is not often noticed or discussed on major construction projects, yet it is important to prevent impacts to service to local residents.  On the Willamette River Bridge project, water, sewer, natural gas, electrical and major fiber optics cables are all found in the construction zone.  Crews need to relocate many lines and carefully mark and avoid others as the work proceeds.

The pictures above show the future path of the new multi-use viaduct path on the north side of Franklin Boulevard before and after crews removed utility poles in preparation for construction.

Removal of the guardrails will provide an open area for large equipment to drill shafts and begin path construction.

As work begins you can clearly see why the utility poles and guardrail were removed.

A great deal of planning is required before any poles, lines or pipes are moved.  Our contractors meet with the appropriate service providers to outline the impacts, options and timing for any changes.  Close coordination ensures that the utility can schedule its work to occur before our construction activities begin.  ODOT appreciates this close cooperation as we work together to complete this project.