From ODOT-
I am excited to share with you our first video in a series that will highlight the people behind the Willamette River Bridge replacement project who are on the job every day, rain or shine. It was a thrill for me to go on site and see the action up close.
This video focuses on drilling the deep shafts that support the columns of the bridge. Shaft drilling is one of the first major tasks in building the bridge and takes place outside of public view, except for the massive drill you may have seen from a distance. The drill bit, or auger, is about 8 feet in diameter and 6 feet long. Standing next to it, I got a new appreciation for the finesse the crew needs to operate this colossal machinery in tight quarters and to exact measurements.
While I was on site, I talked to a manager from DBM Contractors, the company doing the shaft drilling work. He told us about the giant drill, how it works, the different materials it drills through and the special training needed to operate it.
Please watch the video on our YouTube channel and let us know what you think. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed going on site to make it. I’d also love to hear your suggestions for topics you’d like to see covered in future videos!
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Oregon Department of Transportation. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Oregon Department of Transportation. Tampilkan semua postingan
Jumat, 11 Mei 2012
Selasa, 10 April 2012
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.
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.
Selasa, 06 Maret 2012
Restoring the Whilamut Natural Area
From ODOT- Long before it was named the Whilamut Natural Area, the Kalapuya tribe inhabited this 70-acre site on the north bank of the Willamette River west of Interstate 5. The Kalapuya gathered food, traveled on the river and hunted local game. Later the site served as farmland, supplied sand and gravel for the original I-5 bridge and was used as a Lane County landfill from 1964 to 1974.
Transformation of the site continues today. The City of Eugene and volunteers serving on the Citizen Planning Committee oversee efforts to restore the area to its natural state. Removal of non-native plant species such as blackberries, Scotch broom and tall fescue allows native species to survive and thrive. Planting of native grasses and wildflowers creates new upland prairies for wildlife habitat. Western meadowlark, vesper sparrow, woodpeckers, lizards, gopher snakes, frogs and turtles are expected to return and thrive.
A new forest canopy of black cottonwood and Oregon ash will protect plants needing shade while providing wildlife habitat and a cool zone along the river for juvenile Chinook salmon.
As the restoration proceeds, bicyclists, walkers and runners use the variety of hard and soft paths to travel east, west, north and south. Some stop to enjoy the river or just sit and experience the natural surroundings.
Future generations will appreciate the opportunity to see cycles of nature and flourishing native plants and wildlife.
Jumat, 06 Januari 2012
ODOT approves design enhancements for north bank natural area
From ODOT-
ODOT has approved two design enhancements proposed by Litus LLC for the Whilamut Naural Area near the new Interstate 5 Willamette River bridges.
Blue engraved stones will be installed on the slope south of the Canoe Canal Path under Interstate 5. Fifteen stones will depict the life cycle of the abundant camas, from the bulb's edible underground roots, to its open flowers, to its seeds falling to the ground.
The designs reflect the "Whilamut Passage" theme selected by the community in 2009. When completed in 2014, the installation will enhance local understanding of the Kalapuya culture and the area inhabited by Native Americans.
Teams from the Community Involvement and Long-term Ownership Strategy (CILOS) will participate in the restoration of 3.5 acres of land in the Whilamut Natural Area. They will restore the Willamette Valley upland and prairie habitat by removing non-native vegetation and planting native species. They will add design enhancements consisting of singing perches for birds created by supported tree snags. Some 14 local schools working in groups of 20 - 40 students per school will complete the project over three years. Ongoing education and awareness is an important aspect of this project.
Over the past few months, a Design Enhancement Steering Committee has worked with the local designers to develop the final recommendation. The Citizen Advisory Group and the Project Development Team reviewed the designs at the end of November and recommended them to ODOT. We have approved the recommendation and will move forward with contracting with Litus for final designs, with installation to be completed by spring 2014.
ODOT appreciates Litus' work and all the volunteers who helped develop these enhancements. They will certainly benefit the area for generations.
ODOT has approved two design enhancements proposed by Litus LLC for the Whilamut Naural Area near the new Interstate 5 Willamette River bridges.
Blue engraved stones will be installed on the slope south of the Canoe Canal Path under Interstate 5. Fifteen stones will depict the life cycle of the abundant camas, from the bulb's edible underground roots, to its open flowers, to its seeds falling to the ground.
The designs reflect the "Whilamut Passage" theme selected by the community in 2009. When completed in 2014, the installation will enhance local understanding of the Kalapuya culture and the area inhabited by Native Americans.
Teams from the Community Involvement and Long-term Ownership Strategy (CILOS) will participate in the restoration of 3.5 acres of land in the Whilamut Natural Area. They will restore the Willamette Valley upland and prairie habitat by removing non-native vegetation and planting native species. They will add design enhancements consisting of singing perches for birds created by supported tree snags. Some 14 local schools working in groups of 20 - 40 students per school will complete the project over three years. Ongoing education and awareness is an important aspect of this project.
 |
| Here's a rendering of the singing perches to be placed in the Whilamut Natural Area. |
Over the past few months, a Design Enhancement Steering Committee has worked with the local designers to develop the final recommendation. The Citizen Advisory Group and the Project Development Team reviewed the designs at the end of November and recommended them to ODOT. We have approved the recommendation and will move forward with contracting with Litus for final designs, with installation to be completed by spring 2014.
ODOT appreciates Litus' work and all the volunteers who helped develop these enhancements. They will certainly benefit the area for generations.
Rabu, 30 November 2011
Waterways Surrounding the Bridges
From ODOT-
Do you know that besides the Willamette River, there are 13 other bodies of water surrounding our project?
Both natural and manmade waterways flow here. The Whilamut Natural Area is home to the Canoe Canal, also known as Patterson Slough, and two protected wetlands. The Canoe Canal water originates from a diversion structure built in 1974 east of the bridge and reconnects to the river near the Ferry Street Bridge. The wetlands retain rainwater throughout much of the year, providing natural filtration and supporting a diverse plant environment.
On the south bank of the river, an interconnected network of waterways includes eight wetlands and two creeks. Three of the largest are Laurel Valley Creek, Augusta Creek and the Glenwood Slough. Water from the Laurel Hill Valley neighborhood winds through this network and flows into the river west of the bridges. Located along Interstate 5, the Franklin Boulevard off-ramp and the railroad tracks, this network captures and naturally treats rain runoff.
Before construction began, we developed plans to avoid or minimize impacts to all of these bodies of water. As part of the Willamette River Bridge project, we will improve this system through stream restoration and new bioswales that capture and treat more of the runoff before it enters the river.
Do you know that besides the Willamette River, there are 13 other bodies of water surrounding our project?
Both natural and manmade waterways flow here. The Whilamut Natural Area is home to the Canoe Canal, also known as Patterson Slough, and two protected wetlands. The Canoe Canal water originates from a diversion structure built in 1974 east of the bridge and reconnects to the river near the Ferry Street Bridge. The wetlands retain rainwater throughout much of the year, providing natural filtration and supporting a diverse plant environment.
On the south bank of the river, an interconnected network of waterways includes eight wetlands and two creeks. Three of the largest are Laurel Valley Creek, Augusta Creek and the Glenwood Slough. Water from the Laurel Hill Valley neighborhood winds through this network and flows into the river west of the bridges. Located along Interstate 5, the Franklin Boulevard off-ramp and the railroad tracks, this network captures and naturally treats rain runoff.
Before construction began, we developed plans to avoid or minimize impacts to all of these bodies of water. As part of the Willamette River Bridge project, we will improve this system through stream restoration and new bioswales that capture and treat more of the runoff before it enters the river.
Jumat, 28 Oktober 2011
Hundreds of Volunteer Hours Make this Bridge Possible
From ODOT- I cannot stress enough how grateful everyone at ODOT is for the citizens who have donated so much time, effort and passion into making this bridge something we are all proud of.
A 12-member Community Advisory Group (CAG) has been instrumental in developing project goals, objectives and design considerations to ensure that community values are a part of the project. They have been meeting since 2007, and have included representatives from local neighborhoods, recreation groups, local artists, architects, the University of Oregon and the Citizen Planning Committee (CPC) for the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park. The work on the enhancements has been guided by a Design Enhancement Panel (DEP), a diverse group of design professionals and community representatives, and a Design Enhancement Steering Committee (DESC) made up of four members from the CAG that continues to meet. The four members of the DESC are Charlotte Behm, Bob Kline, Vicky Mello, and Scott Wylie.
ODOT is fortunate to be able to include artistic enhancements on the project that will reflect community values and add cultural significance to the design. Esther Stutzman, a Kalapuya tribal representative, and David Lewis, representative of The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, have played a large role in inspiring the design enhancements. They each set aside time to help develop the bridge's aesthetic values and to foster the designers through their work.
I'd also like to thank our citizen volunteers who have worked to have the bridge renamed the Whilamut Passage Bridge. While the name is not yet official, we are well on our way thanks to their efforts shepherding it through the process. Thank you, all. Your work on this project has ensured that it will resonate with this community for years to come.
A 12-member Community Advisory Group (CAG) has been instrumental in developing project goals, objectives and design considerations to ensure that community values are a part of the project. They have been meeting since 2007, and have included representatives from local neighborhoods, recreation groups, local artists, architects, the University of Oregon and the Citizen Planning Committee (CPC) for the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park. The work on the enhancements has been guided by a Design Enhancement Panel (DEP), a diverse group of design professionals and community representatives, and a Design Enhancement Steering Committee (DESC) made up of four members from the CAG that continues to meet. The four members of the DESC are Charlotte Behm, Bob Kline, Vicky Mello, and Scott Wylie.
ODOT is fortunate to be able to include artistic enhancements on the project that will reflect community values and add cultural significance to the design. Esther Stutzman, a Kalapuya tribal representative, and David Lewis, representative of The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, have played a large role in inspiring the design enhancements. They each set aside time to help develop the bridge's aesthetic values and to foster the designers through their work.
I'd also like to thank our citizen volunteers who have worked to have the bridge renamed the Whilamut Passage Bridge. While the name is not yet official, we are well on our way thanks to their efforts shepherding it through the process. Thank you, all. Your work on this project has ensured that it will resonate with this community for years to come.
Sabtu, 30 Juli 2011
What's in a name?
From ODOT- Local citizens have been working to get support for naming the new Interstate 5, Willamette River Bridge.
The name Whilamut Passage (pronounced "WHEEL-a-moot") is the theme of the project and guides the design enhancements surrounding the bridge. The theme recognizes the unique setting of the bridge in the Whilamut Natural Area, a place of historic and environmental significance. The setting is also a transportation hub of bicycle, pedestrian, rail, waterway, and highway traffic. To the Kalapuya, Whilamut means, "Where the river ripples and runs fast."
Local citizens have already accomplished many of the steps required for naming the bridge. They've received support from Lane County, the cities of Springfield and Eugene, and the Metropolitan Policy Committee. The Oregon Geographic Names Board approved of the name on June 25.
Because the name honors the Kalapuya, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde must also support it. Once this step is complete, the proposal will go to ODOT Region 2 for final approval. The Willamette River Bridge Community Advisory Group has also endorsed the Whilamut Passage name, and ODOT greatly appreciates the time and energy these volunteers are putting into a bridge that means so much to the community.
The name Whilamut Passage (pronounced "WHEEL-a-moot") is the theme of the project and guides the design enhancements surrounding the bridge. The theme recognizes the unique setting of the bridge in the Whilamut Natural Area, a place of historic and environmental significance. The setting is also a transportation hub of bicycle, pedestrian, rail, waterway, and highway traffic. To the Kalapuya, Whilamut means, "Where the river ripples and runs fast."
Local citizens have already accomplished many of the steps required for naming the bridge. They've received support from Lane County, the cities of Springfield and Eugene, and the Metropolitan Policy Committee. The Oregon Geographic Names Board approved of the name on June 25.
Because the name honors the Kalapuya, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde must also support it. Once this step is complete, the proposal will go to ODOT Region 2 for final approval. The Willamette River Bridge Community Advisory Group has also endorsed the Whilamut Passage name, and ODOT greatly appreciates the time and energy these volunteers are putting into a bridge that means so much to the community.
Kamis, 28 Juli 2011
You’re invited to the southbound bridge opening
From ODOT-
It’s been two years since we dug golden shovels into the ground to commemorate the start of construction for this momentous project, and we are now ready to celebrate a huge milestone — the opening of the new southbound Interstate 5 bridge.
Please join us in celebration at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at the Willamette River Bridge.
U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, local elected officials and other distinguished guests will be there. After a brief ceremony, you’ll have the opportunity to tour the bridge — including a walk on the new bridge deck — before it opens to traffic in late August.
Our construction staff will conduct the tours. To join a tour, you will need to wear closed-toe shoes and plan on walking for about one hour.
The ceremony is on the work bridge located under the new bridge. Parking is available at the University of Oregon Motor Pool at 3233 Franklin Blvd. (see map below). Please allow 20 minutes to walk to the ceremony by following the signs. A courtesy shuttle will be available upon request at the lot.
It’s been two years since we dug golden shovels into the ground to commemorate the start of construction for this momentous project, and we are now ready to celebrate a huge milestone — the opening of the new southbound Interstate 5 bridge.
Please join us in celebration at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at the Willamette River Bridge.
U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, local elected officials and other distinguished guests will be there. After a brief ceremony, you’ll have the opportunity to tour the bridge — including a walk on the new bridge deck — before it opens to traffic in late August.
Our construction staff will conduct the tours. To join a tour, you will need to wear closed-toe shoes and plan on walking for about one hour.
The ceremony is on the work bridge located under the new bridge. Parking is available at the University of Oregon Motor Pool at 3233 Franklin Blvd. (see map below). Please allow 20 minutes to walk to the ceremony by following the signs. A courtesy shuttle will be available upon request at the lot.
Jumat, 01 Juli 2011
Preserving the Historic Eugene Millrace
From ODOT- Building a bridge located between two communities and natural areas is quite a challenge. For the Willamette River Bridge project, an additional challenge is avoiding impacts to the historic Eugene millrace.
Some remnants of the Eugene millrace can be seen in the river east of the bridge. Portions of the channel are visible under the bridge and along the river on the south bank. Seeing any remains on the river bank is difficult due to vegetation.
Before building the new southbound bridge, we mapped the remnants of the old millrace and made plans to avoid damage and restore any areas affected by construction. We hired a historian to document the millrace; this information will be incorporated into an interpretative display on the south bank.
From the time the millrace was first constructed in 1851 by Hilyard Shaw, it supported economic development and recreation in Eugene. Water from the millrace provided power for lumber and flour mills, a produce cannery, sash and door factory, cider and vinegar plant, furniture factory, a distillery and other facilities. Recreational uses included boating and floating parades in the summer and ice skating when frozen in the winter. Some well-kown University of Oregon student activities took place on the millrace. The millrace was last used for manufacturing around 1928. Floods in the 1940's destroyed much of the original structure, diminishing any long-term use.
I've enjoyed learning more about the history and significance of the Eugene Millrace. We look forward to adding to the historical record through a display for those who visit. The next time you are on the south bank path, look toward the river, and you will likely see some of the milrace ruins.
Kamis, 26 Mei 2011
Above Deck Design Enhancements Selected
From ODOT- ODOT approved three design enhancement pieces to install adjacent to Interstate 5 north and south of the new Willamette River Bridge. Before making the recommendation, local stakeholders reviewed proposals from five artists and comments submitted by local citizens. The enhancements represent the history and culture of the Kalapuya and other tribes in the Willamette Valley and ensure a lasting reminder of Native Americans for generations to come.
"River" by the Lillian Pitt Team depicts a canoe above a graceful wave pattern in a setting of large camas plants and cattails. It is the largest piece selected and will be located north of the Willamette River Bridges between the northbound and southbound I-5 lanes.
"Camas Basket" by Rhiza A+D, inspired by Kalapuyan basketry, is filled with fibrous reeds combined with camas stems capped by blue blossoms. It will be located north of the Canoe Canal Bridge on either the east or west bank.
"Blue Camas Basket" by Devin Laurence Field LLC, represents the once plentiful camas plant in local prairies, which was a critical food source and feature in tribal lore. Located south of the Willamette River Bridge, this piece announces the significance of the area to northbound traffic.
All three artists are from Oregon and have public art pieces installed throughout the northwest.
We are excited about the art selected and recognize it represents the importance of the Whilamut Passage, the Willamette River and this location to Native Americans, the region and the state.
You can view the three selected designs on our Flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/oregondot/5738236526/in/set-72157626374823972/
"River" by the Lillian Pitt Team depicts a canoe above a graceful wave pattern in a setting of large camas plants and cattails. It is the largest piece selected and will be located north of the Willamette River Bridges between the northbound and southbound I-5 lanes.
"Camas Basket" by Rhiza A+D, inspired by Kalapuyan basketry, is filled with fibrous reeds combined with camas stems capped by blue blossoms. It will be located north of the Canoe Canal Bridge on either the east or west bank.
"Blue Camas Basket" by Devin Laurence Field LLC, represents the once plentiful camas plant in local prairies, which was a critical food source and feature in tribal lore. Located south of the Willamette River Bridge, this piece announces the significance of the area to northbound traffic.
All three artists are from Oregon and have public art pieces installed throughout the northwest.
We are excited about the art selected and recognize it represents the importance of the Whilamut Passage, the Willamette River and this location to Native Americans, the region and the state.
You can view the three selected designs on our Flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/oregondot/5738236526/in/set-72157626374823972/
Senin, 02 Mei 2011
Getting ‘up close and personal’ with the Willamette River Bridge project
From ODOT-
Many highway and bridge projects are easily visible as you drive by, but not so easy to see ‘up close and personal.’
That is not the case with the Willamette River Bridge project. Located between two cities and surrounded by a park, hundreds of people see the project up close every day from the park paths and thousands more catch a glimpse as they drive by.
Did you know you can request an ‘up close and personal’ tour of the construction site and see the arches and current activities from the actual work bridge that you would not be able to see from anywhere else?
People who have already taken tours include local service clubs, senior groups, elected officials and students. They have made a number of comments about the complexity of the project, the amount of material required and the expertise of the contractors and workforce.
Taking a tour is the best way to see the progress being made and ask questions about the new bridges. The work is even more impressive when you can walk out near the construction and see it taking shape.
Tours are held the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. and are limited to 15 people; pre-registration is required. Special group tours may be scheduled for other days and times based on the construction activity.
To schedule a tour, please call John Lively at 541-484-7052 or email: john@cawood.com.
Many highway and bridge projects are easily visible as you drive by, but not so easy to see ‘up close and personal.’
That is not the case with the Willamette River Bridge project. Located between two cities and surrounded by a park, hundreds of people see the project up close every day from the park paths and thousands more catch a glimpse as they drive by.
Did you know you can request an ‘up close and personal’ tour of the construction site and see the arches and current activities from the actual work bridge that you would not be able to see from anywhere else?
People who have already taken tours include local service clubs, senior groups, elected officials and students. They have made a number of comments about the complexity of the project, the amount of material required and the expertise of the contractors and workforce.
Taking a tour is the best way to see the progress being made and ask questions about the new bridges. The work is even more impressive when you can walk out near the construction and see it taking shape.
Tours are held the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. and are limited to 15 people; pre-registration is required. Special group tours may be scheduled for other days and times based on the construction activity.
To schedule a tour, please call John Lively at 541-484-7052 or email: john@cawood.com.
Rabu, 27 April 2011
South Bank of River to Include Interpretive Displays
From ODOT- We work closely with our contractors to minimize the impact of construction on local historical features and to leave behind not only wonderful new bridges, but historical information about the area in which the bridges are located. The displays will be installed in late 2013 or early 2014.
When the new bridges are completed, visitors to the south bank will see unique interpretive displays about Native American culture and the old Eugene Millrace.
The first interpretative display reminds us that the Willamette Valley and surrounding foothills have a rich Native Anerican heritage that has been mostly forgotten until recently.
To provide more opportunities to understand the contribution of Native Americans, ODOT, in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, will install the display on the river's south bank with information about the history and contributions of the first people to live and prosper in the valley.
The second interpretive display comes from a federal requirement to protect and enhance Eugene's historic Millrace ruins as part of the bridge replacement project.
At one time, the Eugene Millrace diverted water from the river at an intake east of what is now the Willamette River Bridge to generate power to run many Eugene industries. While building the new bridge, we have preserved and exposed more of the original millrace. In addition, we worked with a historian to document the history of the millrace for future generations. Some of that history and information will be part of a permanent display for the public to enjoy when visiting the south bank.
When the new bridges are completed, visitors to the south bank will see unique interpretive displays about Native American culture and the old Eugene Millrace.
The first interpretative display reminds us that the Willamette Valley and surrounding foothills have a rich Native Anerican heritage that has been mostly forgotten until recently.
To provide more opportunities to understand the contribution of Native Americans, ODOT, in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, will install the display on the river's south bank with information about the history and contributions of the first people to live and prosper in the valley.
The second interpretive display comes from a federal requirement to protect and enhance Eugene's historic Millrace ruins as part of the bridge replacement project.
At one time, the Eugene Millrace diverted water from the river at an intake east of what is now the Willamette River Bridge to generate power to run many Eugene industries. While building the new bridge, we have preserved and exposed more of the original millrace. In addition, we worked with a historian to document the history of the millrace for future generations. Some of that history and information will be part of a permanent display for the public to enjoy when visiting the south bank.
Rabu, 20 April 2011
Local contractor builds a bridge and much more
From ODOT- Hamilton Construction, headquartered in Springfield, Ore., manages the construction of the new Willamette River Bridge for ODOT.
Hamilton is one of the many Oregon construction firms that have successfully bid on bridge projects funded by the Oregon Transportation Investment Act III.
Other OTIA III projects Hamilton has built for ODOT in Lane County include replacing the Interstate 5 McKenzie River bridges and several new bridges at the I-5 Goshen Interchange. They also worked on three additional projects further south on I-5. Hamilton is currently working on another complex OTIA III bridge project over the Sandy River on I-84 in Troutdale.
One of the unique things Hamilton has done for the Willamette River Bridge project was to develop an in-water device called a “bubbleator” to minimize the impact on fish by the vibrations caused by pile driving. For the Sandy River Bridge, they are innovating methods to minimize the risk of flooding by reducing the amount of piers in the river and removing woody debris.
A key goal of the OTIA III program is to stimulate Oregon’s economy through construction work, especially at the local level. For a project as large as this one, Hamilton coordinates more than 40 subcontractors that provide key services and supplies, all timed to meet a demanding schedule. Like Hamilton, the majority of the subcontractors are from the nearby area.
Founded in 1939 to build concrete roads and irrigation systems, Hamilton now specializes in building highway and railroad bridges throughout the western U.S., especially those over bodies of water or with difficult access.
With more than 70 years’ experience, Hamilton is a partner ODOT can count on to build a project as complex as the Willamette River Bridge and to help meet the overall goals of the OTIA III program.
Hamilton is one of the many Oregon construction firms that have successfully bid on bridge projects funded by the Oregon Transportation Investment Act III.
Other OTIA III projects Hamilton has built for ODOT in Lane County include replacing the Interstate 5 McKenzie River bridges and several new bridges at the I-5 Goshen Interchange. They also worked on three additional projects further south on I-5. Hamilton is currently working on another complex OTIA III bridge project over the Sandy River on I-84 in Troutdale.
One of the unique things Hamilton has done for the Willamette River Bridge project was to develop an in-water device called a “bubbleator” to minimize the impact on fish by the vibrations caused by pile driving. For the Sandy River Bridge, they are innovating methods to minimize the risk of flooding by reducing the amount of piers in the river and removing woody debris.
A key goal of the OTIA III program is to stimulate Oregon’s economy through construction work, especially at the local level. For a project as large as this one, Hamilton coordinates more than 40 subcontractors that provide key services and supplies, all timed to meet a demanding schedule. Like Hamilton, the majority of the subcontractors are from the nearby area.
Founded in 1939 to build concrete roads and irrigation systems, Hamilton now specializes in building highway and railroad bridges throughout the western U.S., especially those over bodies of water or with difficult access.
With more than 70 years’ experience, Hamilton is a partner ODOT can count on to build a project as complex as the Willamette River Bridge and to help meet the overall goals of the OTIA III program.
Jumat, 15 April 2011
Where the aesthetics funds come from
From ODOT-
We understand the current economic environment leads to many questions about how public money is spent. It is often challenging to understand the restrictions placed on dedicated funding. Even within ODOT, frustrations are voiced when money targeted for modernization improvements can't be spent on pavement preservation. We have received questions about how the design enhancements are funded and would like to provide more information for you.
The Interstate 5 Willamette River Bridge will cost approximately $201 million to replace. The money comes from two funding sources: a state funding package called the Oregon Transportation Investment Act III, and a federal funding package called SAFETEA-LU, which stands for the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users.
These transportation funds were allocated in 2003 and 2005, respectively, specifically for this project; the money cannot be diverted to other projects or other uses. The federal SAFETEA-LU funding requires the Oregon Department of Transportation to build a bridge that is both functional and visually pleasing.
From the beginning of the design process, community members have told us that the location and size of this bridge warrant special attention and asked us to include design enhancements that complement the bridge and reflect its unique location.
Less than one percent of the total project budget was allocated for design enhancements and we plan to complete that work under budget. Approximately $50,000 of the design enhancement budget will be reserved to pay for ongoing maintenance.
Throughout the decision making process, the public has been represented by a Community Advisory Group, made up of members of key community organizations, such as neighborhood associations, the Citizen Planning Committee for the Whilamut Natural Area, and the Project Development Team, made up of representatives from ODOT, Lane County and the cities of Eugene and Springfield, and a CAG member.
We’ve worked with these groups to ensure the new bridges and their surroundings reflect community values and the natural beauty of the Willamette Valley and the river.
Community stakeholders continue to be involved in making decisions about the design enhancements for the project area. Later this month, a selection committee of local volunteers will consider your comments as they finalize a recommendation to the CAG and PDT, which will in turn make a recommendation to ODOT.
We understand the current economic environment leads to many questions about how public money is spent. It is often challenging to understand the restrictions placed on dedicated funding. Even within ODOT, frustrations are voiced when money targeted for modernization improvements can't be spent on pavement preservation. We have received questions about how the design enhancements are funded and would like to provide more information for you.
The Interstate 5 Willamette River Bridge will cost approximately $201 million to replace. The money comes from two funding sources: a state funding package called the Oregon Transportation Investment Act III, and a federal funding package called SAFETEA-LU, which stands for the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users.
These transportation funds were allocated in 2003 and 2005, respectively, specifically for this project; the money cannot be diverted to other projects or other uses. The federal SAFETEA-LU funding requires the Oregon Department of Transportation to build a bridge that is both functional and visually pleasing.
From the beginning of the design process, community members have told us that the location and size of this bridge warrant special attention and asked us to include design enhancements that complement the bridge and reflect its unique location.
Less than one percent of the total project budget was allocated for design enhancements and we plan to complete that work under budget. Approximately $50,000 of the design enhancement budget will be reserved to pay for ongoing maintenance.
Throughout the decision making process, the public has been represented by a Community Advisory Group, made up of members of key community organizations, such as neighborhood associations, the Citizen Planning Committee for the Whilamut Natural Area, and the Project Development Team, made up of representatives from ODOT, Lane County and the cities of Eugene and Springfield, and a CAG member.
We’ve worked with these groups to ensure the new bridges and their surroundings reflect community values and the natural beauty of the Willamette Valley and the river.
Community stakeholders continue to be involved in making decisions about the design enhancements for the project area. Later this month, a selection committee of local volunteers will consider your comments as they finalize a recommendation to the CAG and PDT, which will in turn make a recommendation to ODOT.
Jumat, 08 April 2011
Visit the artistic enhancement virtual open house!
From ODOT-
Did you miss the Willamette River Bridge open house last night? You have another opportunity to comment on the proposed artistic enhancements.
Visit the virtual open house to view the artistic design enhancement concepts and send us your comments. If the link does not open, please copy and paste this link in your browser: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION2/I-5WRB_OpenHouse_April2011.shtml
On the virtual open house webpage, you can view displays of the proposals as well as a video description of them. The proposals from each team represent their unique approach to creating awareness of the influence of the local Kalupuya Tribe and complement the Whilamut Passage theme. Later this month, a selection committee of location volunteers will consider your comments as they finalize a recommendation to the Community Advisory Group and Project Development Team. After a final decision in May, the chosen design team will prepare the final design. Installation of any enhancements is schedule for late 2013 or early 2014 when the new bridges are complete.
Encourage your friends to also visit the virtual open house. We need to receive your comments by noon Wednesday, April 13.
Did you miss the Willamette River Bridge open house last night? You have another opportunity to comment on the proposed artistic enhancements.
Visit the virtual open house to view the artistic design enhancement concepts and send us your comments. If the link does not open, please copy and paste this link in your browser: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION2/I-5WRB_OpenHouse_April2011.shtml
On the virtual open house webpage, you can view displays of the proposals as well as a video description of them. The proposals from each team represent their unique approach to creating awareness of the influence of the local Kalupuya Tribe and complement the Whilamut Passage theme. Later this month, a selection committee of location volunteers will consider your comments as they finalize a recommendation to the Community Advisory Group and Project Development Team. After a final decision in May, the chosen design team will prepare the final design. Installation of any enhancements is schedule for late 2013 or early 2014 when the new bridges are complete.
Encourage your friends to also visit the virtual open house. We need to receive your comments by noon Wednesday, April 13.
Jumat, 18 Februari 2011
Box girder beam bridge construction
From ODOT- Arches, pier columns, precast beams, cast-in-place beams, decking and railing are all bridge components. When joined together, they link Interstate 5 across the Willamette River.
Joining the south bank of the Willamette to the freeway, the bridge is made up of support pier columns, box girder beams, a deck and railings. On some bridges, the beams are made off-site; however, the beams on these bridges are what we call cast-in-place beams.
Let me share the process of building the cast-in-place beams. Piles were first driven to support a steel platform for the wooden falsework. The falsework forms the outline of the beams just like a house foundation. Inside the wooden forms, reinforcing steel is tied together forming the floor, walls and roof of the beam. The floor is poured and cured, and then the sides and the top are constructed. The finished rectangular beams look solid but are actually hollow and are from 5 to 12 feet high and vary in length from 84 to 214 feet.
Then the deck is formed and poured on top of the beams, completing the bridge. Finally, all the supports and falsework are removed leaving the bridge standing on the pier columns.
Joining the south bank of the Willamette to the freeway, the bridge is made up of support pier columns, box girder beams, a deck and railings. On some bridges, the beams are made off-site; however, the beams on these bridges are what we call cast-in-place beams.
Let me share the process of building the cast-in-place beams. Piles were first driven to support a steel platform for the wooden falsework. The falsework forms the outline of the beams just like a house foundation. Inside the wooden forms, reinforcing steel is tied together forming the floor, walls and roof of the beam. The floor is poured and cured, and then the sides and the top are constructed. The finished rectangular beams look solid but are actually hollow and are from 5 to 12 feet high and vary in length from 84 to 214 feet.
Then the deck is formed and poured on top of the beams, completing the bridge. Finally, all the supports and falsework are removed leaving the bridge standing on the pier columns.
Jumat, 04 Februari 2011
Whilamut Passage design enhancements will grace the Willamette River bridges
From ODOT-
As part of the Willamette River Bridge project, ODOT is working with Pacific Northwest artists to create enhancements near pedestrian paths on the north and south banks of the Willamette River and along Interstate 5 near the bridges.
The enhancements will follow the Whilamut Passage theme, to reflect an intersection in time, a confluence and a crossing. The Whilamut Passage theme will incorporate words, phrases and images that encompass the variety of users—past, present and future—as well as the area’s geography.
Fourteen artists proposed and a volunteer selection committee selected five finalists whose proposals reflect the Whilamut Passage theme. The artists are all based in the Pacific Northwest: Adam McIsaac and Travis Mercier, rhiza Architecture + Design, Lillian Pitt, Devin Laurence Field, and Eutectica Design.
Examples of public art and enhancements by these teams can be found in Bend, Corvallis, Eugene, Springfield, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Portland and across the border in Washington. Some of the materials used by these artists in other communities include wood, concrete, stainless steel, and bronze.
The Community Advisory Group will make a recommendation to ODOT’s design team on a finalist from the proposed designs in late April. Once selected, the artist will complete the design and engineering for bidding and installation.
According to the current design enhancement schedule, you will start to see the enhancements in the fall of 2013 or spring 2014, after both bridges have been completed.
Look for information in the near future about a public open house in Eugene the first week of April when all five finalists will present their proposed designs.
As part of the Willamette River Bridge project, ODOT is working with Pacific Northwest artists to create enhancements near pedestrian paths on the north and south banks of the Willamette River and along Interstate 5 near the bridges.
The enhancements will follow the Whilamut Passage theme, to reflect an intersection in time, a confluence and a crossing. The Whilamut Passage theme will incorporate words, phrases and images that encompass the variety of users—past, present and future—as well as the area’s geography.
Fourteen artists proposed and a volunteer selection committee selected five finalists whose proposals reflect the Whilamut Passage theme. The artists are all based in the Pacific Northwest: Adam McIsaac and Travis Mercier, rhiza Architecture + Design, Lillian Pitt, Devin Laurence Field, and Eutectica Design.
Examples of public art and enhancements by these teams can be found in Bend, Corvallis, Eugene, Springfield, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Portland and across the border in Washington. Some of the materials used by these artists in other communities include wood, concrete, stainless steel, and bronze.
The Community Advisory Group will make a recommendation to ODOT’s design team on a finalist from the proposed designs in late April. Once selected, the artist will complete the design and engineering for bidding and installation.
According to the current design enhancement schedule, you will start to see the enhancements in the fall of 2013 or spring 2014, after both bridges have been completed.
Look for information in the near future about a public open house in Eugene the first week of April when all five finalists will present their proposed designs.
Selasa, 04 Januari 2011
Happy New Year: where we've been and where we're going
From ODOT- People observing the construction of the Willamette River Bridge project often ask when it will be done. The new year is a good time for an update.
In the spring of 2010, the Hamilton Construction team began drilling and filling the bridge foundations. By summer they were constructing the wooden framework for arches and last fall the concrete was taking shape. Just last month, crews started jacking the arches apart, supplying the tension that will allow the arches to support the bridge deck. They also started pouring the final crown to complete the arches' graceful curves.
Next crews will add the beams that will carry the deck of the I-5 bridge before pouring the concrete that will become the roadway. This will be the focus of the first part of the year and by fall motorists will be driving on the new southbound bridge.
From late 2011 to early 2012, contractors will demolish the temporary bridge that's now carrying traffic and begin work on the new northbound bridge. We'll repeat the entire process to build the northbound I-5 bridge.
The project team will complete the second bridge in the fall of 2013. Northbound traffic will then move to the new bridge.
Finally, contractors will install design enhancements in the park and open space around the bridge. The entire project will be complete by spring of 2014.
Selasa, 16 November 2010
Next steps in the arches
From ODOT-
I am continually amazed with how fast things change on the Willamette River Bridge project.
I am continually amazed with how fast things change on the Willamette River Bridge project.
This week the contractor will install the final steel supports for the bridge framework. The outline of the entire new southbound Willamette River Bridge is now visible in the steel and wood framework crossing over Franklin Boulevard, park paths, the railroad track and the I-5 on- and off-ramps to Franklin Boulevard.
Getting ready to pour the bridge is similar to the preparation for building the foundation of a house, but on a far greater scale. Crews have started to pour the concrete that forms the bottom of the bridge box girder beams south of Franklin Boulevard.
You'll see how this was done on our blog in the next few weeks through a series of close-up photos. Crews have framed and poured bridge columns, erected steel support structures, built wooden frames, installed rebar and completed all preparations to pour the concrete for the bridge.
The next time you are in the area, take a look at all the work going on overhead. By the fall of 2011 it will result in completion of the new southbound Willamette River Bridge.
Rabu, 27 Oktober 2010
Traffic delays on Franklin Boulevard
From ODOT-
The project is about to reach another milestone. The final supports and falsework for the Willamette River Bridge are about to be built south of the river, spanning over Franklin Boulevard.
Once the supports are in place, we can begin building the bridge from the north side of Franklin Blvd. to where it connects with Interstate 5 on the south side.
November 1-3, the right hand lanes of Franklin Blvd. will be closed due to construction activity starting at 5 a.m. and continuing until 5 p.m. daily. Expect traffic delays in both directions for up to 20 minutes as beams are placed over the roadway.
Be sure to slow down and follow the instructions of flaggers and construction warning signs throughout the project area.
This view from Franklin Blvd. is about to change as we build the new bridge overhead.
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