Progress continues on the new multi-use path viaduct

From ODOT-

Crews have been hard at work on the new multi-use path viaduct on the south bank of the Willamette River.  The public can now see the latest components rising from the ground: precast and cast in place hammerheads (crossbeams) that will support the path.

Workers constructed these supports by drilling column shafts, placing rebar cages topped with anchor bolt clusters inside each, and then placing concrete. The top-shaft concrete cure for a week before the precast hammerheads are secured to each column with the tightened anchor bolt assemblies.

Two precast hammerheads are installed on the shaft columns, while one shaft on the right awaits anchor bolt clusters.

Workers carefully place a hammerhead atop a shaft.

Crews will soon start building a block retaining wall on the east end of the path to keep the embankment contained.

Next month, they will place box beams, salvaged from the temporary I-5 bridge, that will rest on the hammerheads and act as a base for two inches of asphalt paving to create the final pathway.

Motorists will see increased activity along the north side of Franklin Boulevard just east of the Whilamut Passage Bridge as the box beams are delivered. Trucks will enter and exit the work zone, allowing cranes to offload and install the heavy beams. Please pay close attention to flaggers and expect brief traffic delays.

South Bank Path: Planning for the Future

From ODOT-  The south bank viaduct path is an investment in the community's infrastructure.  City officials and ODOT recognize that it's a vital part of the bicycle and pedestrian network.  Together, we are working hard to improve it.



Some of you have requested more information about the long-term plans for the south bank viaduct path.  I'm happy to describe these and to clarify what is included as part of the Willamette River Bridge project and what will occur independent of it.



Adjusting the south bank path route



The new, permanent viaduct path will follow a different route than it does today.  It will begin east of the Knickerbocker Bridge and run along the north side of Franklin Boulevard, rather than the south side.



ODOT built a temporary detour for the path to accommodate construction of the new Whilamut Passage Bridge, allow space for stream restoration between the path and the river, and divert path users from ongoing construction hazards.  This detour is necessary for project safety.



Extending the path



ODOT is also extending the path to just west of the Oldham Crane Service property as part of the Willamette River Bridge project.  We are coordinating with the cities of Eugene and Springfield to establish appropriate connections to the new viaduct path, but those will be a separate project.  The city of Springfield plans to extend the new path east, allowing users to cross Franklin Boulevard at the intersection with Glenwood Boulevard.  Traffic signals there will make crossing the busy lanes safer for all.



OBEC Consulting Engineers, the design team leading the Willamette River Bridge project, is also working with the City of Springfield on the path extension.  They are currently in the design phase and expect the extension to open with the rest of the viaduct path in 2014.  The existing south bank connector path will remain open until this connection is finished.

Get the scoop on park improvements in the latest Behind the Orange Cones video

From ODOT-

The parkland surrounding the Interstate 5: Willamette River Bridge project is much beloved by athletes, commuters and reflective outdoor enthusiasts. These same park paths and natural areas also play a very important role in our construction story.



To film our latest online video, I relished the opportunity to spend part of my day capturing how we’ve worked to protect, enhance and improve this beautiful area, including its many paths and waterways.



In this video, you will learn that while construction has led to temporary impacts to Alton Baker Park and the Whilamut Natural Area; it will lead to valuable improvements when the bridge work is done.



We highlight the importance of the parkland around the bridge and show what construction crews are doing now and will accomplish in the future. These improvements include stream restoration and a temporary fish ladder, informative kiosks and visual enhancements along the Canoe Canal path and waterway.



Please enjoy watching and feel free to post your comments and questions.