New bridge is open to traffic

Traffic is now flowing on both spans of the Whilamut Passage Bridge. Below is a photo of the new bridge, looking down Interstate 5 toward the south.

We are also happy to report that the northbound Franklin Boulevard off-ramp (exit 192) is open once again, after a closure of nearly two years.

Traffic in project area will return to normal this summer

From ODOT-



We’re excited to announce the much-anticipated new northbound Whilamut Passage Bridge will open to traffic this summer.





Before traffic returns to normal, the construction team is finishing the bridge deck and installing permanent highway signs. They also completed roadwork on Franklin Boulevard and have returned traffic to a four-lane configuration.



Crews will also reopen the northbound freeway off-ramp to Franklin Boulevard at exit 192 this summer.



Thank you for your patience with traffic switches during bridge construction. Please continue to drive safely the next few months as the last few shifts are made to return traffic routes to normal. We’re thrilled to wrap up the project and get motorists going where they need to go on the new, graceful Whilamut Passage Bridge.

Crews returned Franklin Boulevard to its original four-lane configuration this week.

Franklin Boulevard lane closure extended

From ODOT-

This past summer, ODOT contractors closed two lanes on Franklin Boulevard under Interstate 5 to accommodate bridge construction overhead. As a result, there is just one lane of traffic on Franklin Boulevard in each direction through the construction zone.


Because we know the closure has been inconvenient for drivers, crews had hoped to return this important east-west route to its original configuration this month; however, crews still have some work to complete. We expect that this work will be complete and we’ll be able to reopen the lanes in June.

The construction team holds a large concrete placement bucket in position while pouring beam closures on the north side of Franklin Boulevard while the lane is closed.

While we want to return Franklin Boulevard to its normal state as soon as possible, our first priority is public safety.



The lane restrictions are allowing contractors to safely build structural elements of the new northbound Whilamut Passage Bridge over Franklin Boulevard. Crews have also built sections of the multi-use path viaduct and added seismic protection to it. While the river level was low last week, the block retaining wall for the path was completed.

Barrier installation: halfway mark for off-ramp closure

From ODOT-

We are more than halfway through the closure of the Interstate 5 northbound off-ramp to Franklin Boulevard. Crews have made significant progress toward building a new ramp.



The closure began early in October 2011 and gave us a chance to rebuild the off-ramp and raise it to align with the new northbound bridge.



Workers recently installed permanent barriers along the northbound lanes of I-5 and along the new northbound off-ramp to Franklin Boulevard. These barriers were precast, meaning they are formed and poured off-site and brought in from Salem for installation.

The construction team places one of the barriers on to the ramp, while others on the track await placement .

Crash tested and designed for impact, the barriers are hinged with a rod to form a durable chain, increasing the force the barrier can withstand. Carefully lined up with stormwater runoff grates, the walls also play a critical role in guiding water from the roadway into the drains below – a safety measure we all know is necessary here in rainy Oregon.

This portion of the roadway may open before shoulder paving is complete, so the construction team used single-slope barriers that do not need to be moved during paving.

With less than a year left for the ramp closure, crews are making steady progress and plan to remove the off-ramp falsework in February or March and will be ready to pave in the spring.

Crossing Franklin Boulevard to build a bridge

From ODOT-

With fall in full swing, crews worked on a crisp morning to place steel beams over Franklin Boulevard for the new Willamette River Bridge. The beams will be welded together to create a temporary base for the forms that will shape the new northbound bridge.

Construction crews place steel to support falsework over Franklin Boulevard.

Next, carpenters will build wooden falsework around the rebar supports to create forms. Crews will pour a special concrete mixture into the forms to create cast-in-place box beams that span this major thoroughfare. Traffic on Franklin Boulevard will be subject to delays at times as wood is lifted into place.

Flaggers stop traffic on Franklin Boulevard while crews move materials into place.

In the spring of 2013, crews will remove the temporary steel structure, returning Franklin Boulevard to the regular traffic pattern of two lanes in each direction and signaling the final stages of the bridge construction. For your safety, continue to observe all warning signs, reduce your speed and follow the flagger’s instructions as you travel on Franklin Boulevard.

Use extreme caution on Franklin Boulevard under Interstate 5

From ODOT-

We recently told you about the lane restrictions in place on Franklin Boulevard until February. Here are some pictures of this temporary configuration to help you anticipate this change and navigate it successfully.

Franklin Boulevard is restricted to one lane in each direction under Interstate 5. The speed limit is reduced to 35 mph through the construction zone.

Flaggers will slow traffic as work proceeds on either side of the road. In addition, expect up to 20-minute delays when crews install beams or falsework over the travel lanes. Please slow down, obey all warning signs and flagger directions.

A flagger directs westbound traffic during pile driving and falsework construction.

Westbound traffic returns to regular westbound lanes after passing under I-5.

Cars form one line westbound while a bicyclist attempts to travel westbound on Frankline Blvd. That's him in the red shirt, next to the organe safety barrels on the right side of the photo.

Expect delays on Franklin Boulevard Aug. 2-10

From ODOT-

Please note that we will restrict traffic on eastbound Franklin Boulevard under Interstate 5 to one lane on weekdays from Thursday, Aug. 2, until Friday, Aug. 10.



The lane closure will occur between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. only on weekdays. Westbound traffic will not be affected, nor will weekend traffic.



The single-lane closure will allow workers to install overhead falsework needed to build portions of the new northbound I-5 bridge over Franklin Boulevard.



As always, we appreciate your patience as we continue our work!

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.

The first shaft for the viaduct path is under construction.

From ODOT-  By early 2014, improvements to the park paths near the new Willamette River Bridges will be complete.  The most significant change, a new viaduct path on the south bank of the Willamette River, will replace the current path that connects to the south side of Franklin Boulevard, east of the bridges.



Bridge beams reused from the Interstate 5 detour bridge will provide a structure for the realigned path.  The beams will be supported by 14 individual bridge columns spaced along the riverbank.  Rebar and concrete will fill drilled shafts to a depth of at least 10 feet into the bedrock.



We've recently taken the first step in constructing the viaduct, by drilling a shaft beneath the new northbound bridge.  This had to occur now, because the drilling equipment is too tall to fit under the new northbound bridge once it is built.  This may be the only work we do on the viaduct path until this fall.

As you can see, the drill is taller than the new southbound bridge and would not have fit under the soon-to-be-built northbound freeway bridge.

Here, workers line up equipment to place the steel retainer ring, which will prevent dirt and rock from falling back into the drilled shaft.

ODOT works with local business to maintain commerce

From ODOT-

When the Interstate 5 northbound off-ramp to Franklin Boulevard closed to traffic in October 2011, affected business owners were concerned about the detour signage. Because the detour would be in effect for two years, the business owners believed that it would be better to use signs to mark the new route as though it were the normal route, not a detour.



ODOT construction manager Karl Wieseke sprang into action as soon as he was contacted by the businesses. He convened a meeting with project and business representatives to better understand the issues. Then he arranged a driving tour so all parties could be together to see the situation and discuss solutions.



The group agreed to a plan, engineers designed new signage and the contractor quickly secured and installed the new signs. ODOT always welcomes feedback, and the local businesses expressed appreciation for ODOT’s responsiveness.

ODOT modified the signs along northbound I-5 with the exit number, changing it from 192 to 191. Nothing on the signs indicates a detour, only the appropriate exit.

Once drivers have exited I-5, signs noting the detour and listing businesses along Franklin Boulevard direct traffic north onto Glenwood Boulevard and east or west on Franklin Boulevard to reach the communities of Springfield and Eugene.

New paths will feature safety improvements.

From ODOT-

ODOT is working closely with the cities of Eugene and Springfield to enhance and improve safety on pedestrian paths along the banks of the Willamette River near the new Interstate 5 bridges. Some changes are already in place but most will be finished in late 2013 or early 2014.



Crews have repaved and striped the Canoe Canal Path and the paved paths on the north and south banks of the river under the bridges. They are also minimizing dangerous corners and intersections and eliminating a large drop in the path on the north end of the Knickerbocker Bridge. Path users will see new landscaping, including native species of trees, shrubs, flowers and prairie grass. A new path on the south bank of the river will link existing routes and provide great views of the river. It will start east of the Knickerbocker Bridge, follow the riverbank under the I-5 bridges and connect to Franklin Boulevard. The city of Springfield plans to extend this new path to the intersection of Glenwood Boulevard and Franklin Boulevard.



We enjoy working with local partners to make these path improvements for the benefit of users for years to come.

New pedestrian path on south bank of the Willamette River

This picture shows the route for the new path on the south side of Franklin Boulevard.

From ODOT- Construction crews are preparing the south bank of the Willamette River under the vicinity of Interstate 5 for a new pedestrian path set to open in spring 2014. ODOT is building the path in cooperation with the cities of Eugene and Springfield.

This direct, safer route for pedestrians and bike riders will start east of the Knickerbocker Bridge and run along the riverbank until it joins a new path constructed by the city of Springfield along Franklin Boulevard.

This will be no ordinary path. Beams saved from the recently demolished temporary I-5 detour bridge over the Willamette River will be supported by concrete columns to create a viaduct that will offer great views of the river and new bridges.

The city of Springfield will continue the new path to the intersection of Franklin Boulevard and Glenwood Boulevard. Traffic signals will make the intersection safer for path users crossing Franklin Boulevard. Eastbound bike riders will share a wide sidewalk with pedestrians, and westbound cyclists will use a path on the south side of Franklin Boulevard.

We are very excited about these improvements!

Traveling around the Willamette River Bridge project

From ODOT-

With construction of the new northbound Willamette River Bridge underway, detours and flagger-controlled delays will facilitate safe and easy movement through the project.



Here’s what to expect as you travel:



Ongoing impacts

• The northbound off-ramp from Interstate 5 to Franklin Boulevard is closed until October 2013. To reach Franklin Boulevard, use exit 191 to Glenwood Boulevard. After exiting, turn right on Glenwood Boulevard and travel north to Franklin Boulevard. The detour is clearly marked, with directional signs to businesses along Franklin Boulevard.


• The North Walnut Road path is closed east of I-5 and west through the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park.

New impacts

• Franklin Boulevard is subject to single lane closures and flagger-controlled delays, as construction of the new bridge columns and bridge falsework occurs near or over the roadway in the next three months.


• The Canoe Canal path under I-5 is open for all east and westbound pedestrian and bike traffic on the north bank. In late February, expect delays of up to 20 minutes when crews lift the new beams for the Canoe Canal Bridge into place.


• The South Bank Path under I-5 is subject to increased flagger-controlled delays daily due to construction activities.

To date the project has resulted in minimal delays. By following all flagger instructions and project signage, you can continue to travel safely and quickly around the construction area.



Thank you for your patience as we move forward on this bridge replacement!

Expect delays on Franklin Boulevard under I-5 Nov. 4 and 7

From ODOT-Here's a quick traffic update for Franklin Boulevard as our contractor removes the Interstate 5 detour bridge over the Willamette River that carried traffic until last month.

On Friday, Nov. 4 and Monday, Nov. 7, we'll remove the portion of the temporary detour bridge that passes over Franklin Boulevard. This will cause traffic delays on Franklin Boulevard for up to 20 minutes between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. both days.

There will be no traffic delays on Franklin Boulevard on Saturday and Sunday.

Flaggers will occasionally stop traffic to keep motorists out of harm's way as crews remove and place bridge beams onto trucks standing by to haul them away. The beams will be stored for use in future bridge construction.

We'll work to minimize the traffic stops and we appreciate your patience!

Franklin Boulevard to close this weekend

From ODOT-

Franklin Boulevard under Interstate 5 between Eugene and Glenwood will be closed from 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5 until 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 8.

The weekend closure will allow our crews to remove wooden falsework used to construct the new southbound I-5 bridge as it passes over Franklin Boulevard. This gets us one step closer to the finish line!

  Signs will direct Franklin Boulevard traffic to detours using I-5.

• Westbound Franklin Boulevard traffic: take Glenwood Boulevard to I-5 northbound; then take exit 192 to Franklin Boulevard. 


• Eastbound Franklin Boulevard traffic: take the on-ramp to southbound I-5, drive south to Glenwood Boulevard exit 191, drive north on Glenwood Boulevard to Franklin Boulevard.

The bicycle path underneath Franklin Boulevard will remain open, controlled by flaggers, during this work.

We appreciate your patience during this temporary traffic disruption.

For real-time traffic information, please visit www.TripCheck.com.