Got questions? We have answers.

From ODOT-

As ODOT’s Willamette River Bridge Project manager, I often talk to local groups and provide public tours. Here is a sampling of the questions people ask.

Q: What will happen to the staging area in the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park when construction is complete?

A: We will restore this large area to its original condition and plant 7,000 camas bulbs to reflect the Kalapuya heritage in the area.

The staging area in the Whilamut Natural Area currently holds construction equipment and materials used on the bridge replacement.

Q: What are anti-access walls? 

A: They are 8-foot-tall concrete walls at the base of each arch that deter people from climbing the arches from the riverbank.

Workers pour concrete for an anti-access wall at the bottom of a bridge arch.

Q: How many expansion joints does each bridge have?

A: There are five expansion joints on each bridge to allow for movement caused by temperature changes, protecting bridge parts from damage.

Q: Does the project have webcams? If so, where are they?

A: There are three webcams on the project. Two are on the billboard near Chambers Construction and the other is between the two bridges on the north bank.  Our webcams provide the public with a live look at construction activity and collect footage that we are able to turn into a time-lapse video.

Q: What happens to the wooden and steel falsework  when it’s no longer needed?

A: Most of the falsework is used and reused multiple times on the project before crews remove and recycle it. Aside from plywood, which has limited reuse, lumber and steel falsework components are saved and stored by the contractor for future projects.

Q: How many work hours have been logged on this project?

A: From July 2009 through December 2012, construction crews logged 279,722 hours of labor on this project.

And my favorite question from a second grader visting the project:

Q: What is the name of the crane operator?

A: John.

I appreciate the public’s curiosity about the project. It is refreshing to realize there is so much interest in every aspect of the bridge replacement work — from construction, environment and safety to our incredible team.

Residents and students tour the project for one-of-a-kind views

From ODOT-

As construction continues on the Whilamut Passage Bridge and surrounding areas, many people want to see the project up close. Imagine standing next to massive equipment and bridge structures in areas typically closed off from the public.

Last month nearly 30 people, including a local cycling group, took a tour and viewed the construction from the work bridge and surrounding paths. Hamilton Construction generously provides the hard hats and safety vests since this is an active construction zone and safety is a high priority.

Hamilton Construction Manager
Con O’Connor leads a tour across the work bridge.

Standing on what will soon be the northbound bridge deck; ODOT Project Manager Karl Wieseke explains the next steps on the northbound bridge by noting features of the finished southbound bridge.

People learn about the talking stones along paths in the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park.



Our team enjoys sharing the project with the community. In fact, this week alone we have three tours scheduled. One of the tours was led by our lead project designer OBEC Consulting Engineers. OBEC showed the bridge to students from Churchill High School’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program as part of their engineering class bridge design project.




Touring the project is the best way to fully grasp the magnitude and complexity of the Willamette River Bridge project. While tour times vary based on construction activity and safety, they’ll continue throughout the project. Contact Nichole Hayward at (541) 484-7052 or nichole@cawood.com if you are interested in scheduling a tour.

Veneta second-graders see Willamette River Bridge work, up close

From ODOT-

We recently hosted some very special visitors here at the Willamette River Bridge site.

Two classes of Veneta Elementary School second-graders, their teachers and a handful of parent chaperones capped their “day of science” here to see firsthand how a bridge is built. They were thrilled to be escorted by Hamilton Construction’s traffic control truck, with lights flashing, to the north staging area of the work zone.

The students walked out on the Knickerbocker bike-pedestrian bridge where they learned the sequence of building bridges. They also learned about some of the project’s environmental and park improvements. The children were amazed at the size of the bridge, even from the distant vantage point on the Knickerbocker bridge.

Upon arrival at the staging area, I led the students through safety protocols and let them suit up in adult-size reflective vests, hardhats and safety glasses. They also got an up-close look at one of the cranes and stood in awe of its wheels, which were taller than their teachers.

The last session was a lesson on concrete. We told our audience that the cement truck process was similar to mixing a cake, an analogy that drew laughs from the students. The group also reviewed the essential elements of construction: labor, materials, equipment and know-how.

The field trip was exciting for the students and rewarding to all of us building the bridge. We made them promise to come back and visit when they are fourth-graders so they can see how things have changed.

Students trying on safety equipment as part of their bridge-building lesson. Students learning how concrete becomes part of the bridge.

The inside story

From ODOT-

Don’t have time to take a tour of the Willamette River Bridge project, but would like to learn more? You’re in luck. A representative of ODOT and our contractor Hamilton Construction regularly make presentations to local organizations, including Rotary Clubs, school classes, chambers of commerce and senior groups.



A presentation typically includes an overview of project history, costs, current schedule and important milestones. A slide presentation documents work and shows aspects that would be difficult to see on a tour. Presentations can be tailored to your specific interest and available time. Best of all, the team will answer all of your questions.



We want to keep people informed and seek input on the project. The new bridge is a long-term investment in our highway infrastructure and a lasting legacy to Oregonians - especially to the communities of Eugene and Springfield.



I invite you to take advantage of this opportunity. Contact John Lively at (541) 484-7052 or email at john@cawood.com to schedule a presentation.

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.