Behind the orange cones: the skeleton of the bridge

From ODOT-

In our latest video, crews tie together miles of rebar to form the intricate web of steel reinforcing bars that is the unseen skeleton of the entire bridge. The rebar ranges from as small as one-half inch in diameter up to 2 1/4 inches across.



For this project, we use the largest diameter rebar available, which weighs 14 pounds per linear foot. These big steel bars are so heavy that it takes several steelworkers to move them into place and tie them into the reinforcing framework that supports the bridge piers and arches.



It’s fascinating to see up-close the cages that will become the concrete columns supporting the bridge. I interviewed ODOT Quality/Quantity Coordinator Thor Alvarado about the training and experience needed to work with this heavy and intricate material.



Thor’s job is to inspect bridges under construction throughout the state. His experience is valuable on a complicated project like ours because he makes sure bridges are built properly, safely and within budget.



According to Thor, the biggest challenges of working with rebar are harsh weather and lifting the long and heavy steel bars into place. He says teamwork is important because it’s dangerous work.



Do you know what happens to the rebar if steelworkers try to bend it with a torch? Watch the video to find out!



And feel free to post your comments and questions. Your feedback is important to us.

Behind the orange cones: ties to the economy

From ODOT-

We’ve just completed our second video in an ongoing series that highlights the people behind the Interstate 5 Willamette River Bridge replacement project.



Because it’s the largest bridge replacement in ODOT’s history, this project affects a lot of people who live in and travel through Eugene and Springfield on I-5. This video shows how important the new bridges are to the local economy. I spoke with David Hauser, president of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, to get his perspective on the project’s importance to local business community. It was gratifying to hear that businesses are benefiting from the project because of the local jobs it has created and the extra money being spent by the crew members in the community.



We also show that by using the simple and well-marked detour, businesses on Franklin Boulevard are easily accessible during the two-year closure of the I-5 northbound off-ramp.



I drove it several times to capture the footage so you can see just how easy it is to reach the businesses.



Please watch the video on our YouTube channel and remember to support your local businesses during construction.