A variety of columns will support the new northbound bridge

From ODOT-

As the new northbound Willamette River Bridge rises from the ground, the columns on the south bank are most visible. When finished, seven of the nine either columns or sets of columns supporting this bridge will be located on the south bank of the river.

This is a stark contrast to the original bridge, which had many more of its columns, five to be exact, in the river instead of on land. The new bridge will touch down in the river only once.

The columns are not all the same. The pictures below show various configurations.

Above, workers prepare to pour the column south of the pedestrian path. It is wide, narrow, centered under the bridge deck and poured in two separate vertical sections.

Round rebar cages from this single column, centered under the bridge deck. Crews will pour the concrete walls as one section.

Shown in the two photos above is one of the three rectangular columns being built south of the railroad, in two stages of construction. The rebar on top will connect the column to the beam that will connect it with an adjacent column. The column south of these is a single column centered under the bridge.

An additional, larger column is located further south of these columns, just before the bridge joins Interstate 5 northbound.

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.

Why replace the Willamette River Bridge?

From ODOT- Looking forward to upcoming project milestones provides a new opportunity to explain why the bridge is being replaced in the first place.



In 2002, our inspectors found sheer cracks in the original Interstate 5 bridge. Because of safety concerns, we immediately imposed weight limits, causing heavy-haul trucks to detour 200 miles through central Oregon. Based on the condition of the old bridge and current safety standards, ODOT determined that it was not feasible to simply repair it.



Building the temporary bridge in 2004 allowed heavy-haul traffic to once again use I-5 to cross the Willamette. However, the temporary bridge used materials and methods that could be installed quickly and does not meet environmental, design or seismic standards for permanent freeway bridges.



When completed, both new bridges will meet current safety standards, accommodate up to three lanes of traffic and have a design life of 100 years.

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.

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.

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.

Beyond the arches

From ODOT- With all the attention that’s been focused on building the graceful arches for the new I-5 Willamette River Bridge, you may not realize that they are but part of a series of four independent bridges linked together form a single span from the north bank of the Willamette River to the south end of the project past Franklin Boulevard.

While the arch spans obviously catch your eye as they prominently cross the river, they are not the longest part of the new bridge.

South of the river, the new I-5 bridge crosses over Franklin Boulevard, railroad tracks, the I-5 off-ramp to Franklin Boulevard, pedestrian paths and local creeks and drainages. The bridge over the river is 806 feet long, but the portion from Franklin Boulevard south is 900 feet long.

We’re building two more independent bridges south of the river. They will consist of box girder beams constructed on site followed by forming and pouring the bridge deck on top.

Another much smaller box girder bridge will connect I-5 on the river’s north bank to the arch bridges crossing the Willamette.

Each independent bridge must be tensioned separately. Once tensioned, the deck of the new southbound bridge will become one continuous smooth surface, from the north bank of the Willamette River to south of Franklin Boulevard.

The new bridge on the north bank of the Willamette River.

Bridge construction south of the river.

Views from the I-5 Willamette River Bridge project

From ODOT- I thought it would be nice to share with you some of the lesser seen sights around the bridge project. I particularly like the icicles hanging from the falsework for the new bridge arches. ODOT and its contractors work in all kinds of weather to get the job done.

A squirrel explores along the new sound wall near the Laurel Hill Valley nieghoborhood that helps protect nearby homes from freeway noise.

A worker in a basket crane puts final touches on teh columns that will support the I-5 southbound bridge.

A steelworker guides one of the temporary beams inot place that are used to build thenew birdges over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks at the south end of the project. Note that he's wearing a special harness attached to the steel beam that protects him in case of a fall.

Get a backstage look at the bridge construction

From ODOT- Most of us are fascinated by large highway construction projects. We crane our necks as we pass by, but how often do we get to see what is happening close-up?

The Willamette River Bridge project provides a unique opportunity to peek at changes from roadways or park paths. But even better, you can learn about the project and see it close up by taking advantage of a monthly tour.

Last year, students, senior citizens, business leaders, neighbors, elected officials and out-of-town visitors toured and learned more about one of the Oregon Department of Transportation's largest bridge projects.

Visitors have commented on the complexity of the project, the amount of steel and concrete needed, the skill of those working on the project, and the team's focus on protecting and enhancing the environment around the bridge.

Construction will continue late into 2013. Please take the opportunity for a tour and gain a better appreciation of the success being achieved on a very complex project. To sign up for a tour, call John Lively at (541) 484-7052, or e-mail John@cawood.com.

Replacing the Temporary Bridge

From ODOT- With all the construction work under way on the new Interstate 5 Willamette River bridges, it’s easy to forget the bridge carrying I-5 traffic since 2004 is temporary.

This fall, when the new southbound bridge is complete, we’ll shift all I-5 traffic onto it, which will allow us to dismantle the temporary bridge clearing the way for construction of the new northbound bridge.

As we closely watch construction of the new arch bridges, I think it’s important to remember why we’re building them.

When ODOT inspected the original I-5 Willamette River bridges in 2002, we discovered structural problems in the aging girders. We quickly put load limits in place that forced heavy haul truck traffic to detour on U.S. 97 through Central Oregon. The long detour increased the cost and time of moving goods in and through Oregon.

While we immediately started planning for new bridges to replace the old, we knew it would take significant amount of time to design and construct a bridge to meet the environmental and seismic standards for permanent bridges with a lifespan of 100 years. That was too long to wait to return heavy truck traffic to I-5 through Eugene-Springfield. Building a temporary bridge became the best interim solution.

We quickly designed a temporary bridge and acquired needed right of way and permits. Our contractor, Hamilton Construction, started work on the temporary bridge in 2003, and it opened to traffic in 2004. The temporary bridge was built using materials and methods that could be quickly installed, but it does not meet all standards required for a permanent bridge with 100-year lifespan.

The temporary bridge has carried traffic for more than six years. During that time heavy freight has moved easily on I-5. Truckers, and the consumers of the goods they transport, have avoided the economic impacts of a costly detour.

We expect the new bridges to be complete in 2013, almost a decade after the temporary bridge opened. By the time both new bridges are open to traffic, Oregonians will see a good return on their investment in the temporary bridge. In addition, material from the temporary bridge will be reused or recycled, and the right of way used for the temporary bridge will be returned to its natural state.

When the work is done, our goal is to leave the project area in far better shape than we found it.

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.

WRB Impacting Local Economy

From ODOT- I am proud of the progress on the Willamette River Bridge project and the positive impact the construction has had on the local workforce and contracting community.


This is the biggest bridge replacement project in Oregon's history, with a large crew working diligently to complete the project. There are a wide range of subcontractors supplying material and services.


In fact, there are more than 50 contractors and subcontractors working on the project from as far away as Vancouver, Washington and south to Coquille, Oregon. The majority of the subcontractors are from Lane County and surrounding area.


Some of the services provided by these contractors include engineering, surveying, demolition, paving, fencing, seeding, mulching, erosion control, striping, flagging, job site security, and sweeping - to name a few. Local suppliers provide materials for welding, pile driving, scaffolding, and on the job safety.


I hope you too can gain an appreciation for the positive impact this project is already having and will continue to have in the local economy.

Southbound on-ramp to reopen Dec. 15

From ODOT- On June 21, we closed the Interstate 5 southbound on-ramp from Franklin Boulevard to continue work on the Willamette River Bridge project. When the ramp reopens on Dec. 15, you will see many changes, such as:

• The ramp, now higher and wider, merges more smoothly with I-5.
• New lighting improves visibility at night.
• New retaining walls support the raised roadway.

The most visible change is the new sound wall on the west side of the ramp to decrease traffic noise in the Laurel Hill Valley Neighborhood.

The design on the east side of the sound wall represents a sound wave as it travels from the foothills to the valley floor. On the neighborhood side, our contractors installed sculptured concrete representing local geologic forms such as Judkins Point, Coburg Hills, Mount Pisgah and Laurel Hill.

This reopening is a significant milestone on the way to wrapping up construction of the southbound Willamette River Bridge.

Thanks for your patience during the construction work. We really appreciate it.

OIT students tour project

From ODOT-

Yesterday, on their way from Portland to Klamath Falls, 12 Oregon Institute of Technology students and two instructors took the time to tour the Willamette River Bridge project. The students, including 11 seniors and one sophomore, wanted to gain a better understanding of how to manage a complex construction project. The discussions ranged from dealing with multiple jurisdictions, coordinating contractors, protecting environmentally sensitive areas and scheduling construction activities.

As they toured through the site some of the reactions were "Fantastic," "I didn't realize how complex it would be" to the bridge will be "a beautiful addition to the community." The students climbed to the top of the falsework to watch the pouring of box girders beams, walked across the work bridge observing multiple activities occurring in a very small area and stood on top of one of the arches discussing the projects next steps: finishing the arches and moving to the next phases.

Using cell phones and small cameras, the students captured many images for use in future discussions and summaries of the visit. At the conclusion they were excited to learn that a blog exists, so they can follow the progress from their campus in Klamath Falls.

Many of the students hope to work on very similar projects when they complete their studies.

New Opportunities

From ODOT- Writing for the I-5 Willamette River Bridge project blog is a new experience for me. I'm looking forward to joining the ongoing dialogue around this important project and providing you with timely and interesting information.

You've all no doubt heard about the OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program. My job is to manage this 10-year program for ODOT which WRB is a part of. I have an uniquely vested interest in the program - nine years ago I was ODOT's bridge load rating engineer who lead ODOT's study of distressed state and local bridges that prompted the Legislature to create the OTIA program.

I assumed leadership of the I-5 Willamette River Bridge project in September and am impressed with the ongoing efforts of our team and the local communities to build a project that respects and responds to the local community and preserves and enhances the special attributes around the project area.

Even though I've worked in the structural engineering field for 21 years, I am excited by the unique project management opportunity the Willamette River Bridge project provides.

I look forward to sharing my perspective on our progress as we move forward together.

Willamette River Bridge Blog wins award!

From ODOT-

As many of you know, this is ODOT's first blog- we started it in June to keep you informed about the Willamette River Bridge project and to share interesting tidbits and other information about the project's progress. Last Thursday night the Portland Public Relations Society of America awarded ODOT a prestigious Spotlight Award and I had the privilege of accepting it on behalf of the team whose work has contributed to the blog's launch.

We are thrilled that the Portland PRSA recognized our efforts with a Spotlight Award, and look forward to continuing to keep you informed and answer any questions you may have about the project. (As always, if there's anything specific you'd like to see here, please let us know by leaving a comment.)

Congratulations to each of the team members who make the blog possible, and thanks to each of our readers for your support!

Jyll Smith and Karen Jones Jackley accept a 2010 PRSA Spotlight Award for the Willamette River Bridge.

Welcome three new ODOT bloggers

From ODOT-

We all experience change in our lives. With change comes the opportunity for growth and new experiences. Such is the case with the Willamette River Bridge project team. Dick Upton, who has been key in the project's success as the ODOT Project Manager since the fall of 2008, has accepted a new assignment at ODOT.

With that change, I welcome three new ODOT bloggers: Ray Mabey, Sonny Chickering and Karl Wieseke.

Ray, the OTIA III Bridge Delivery Unit manager, assumes responsibility for overall project management. Sonny, the Area Manager responsible for delivering projects throughout Lane County, is assuming project stakeholder involvement, working with the Citizen Advisory Group, Project Development Team, Design Enhancement Steering Committee and local government entities. Karl will continue his steady hand as Construction Project Manager.

Welcome Ray, Sonny and Karl!

Bridge design and enhancements

From ODOT-

Meeting since 2008, members of the Citizen Advisory Group and Project Development Team have provided invaluable input regarding bridge design and enhancements in the open space surrounding the bridge. Recently they approved a request for proposals for art to be installed above the deck -- that is, next to Interstate 5 just north or south of the bridge. They also agreed to the next steps for development of art pieces on the south and north banks of the Willamette River.

Pictured below are two of the enhancements currently being developed. Additional information can be obtained by going to our website at http://www.willamettebridge.org/ as well as participating in opportunities early next year to view refinements to these and other concepts. We will keep you informed as meetings are scheduled.

The columns have been recommended based on having some remains of the old structures in place reminding current and future citizens of previous bridges that were here along with something to compare the new columns to.

The dovetail designs for the path represents the passing from one city to the next while at the same time showing the two communities are linked by the connection of the paths under the bridges.

We are excited to watch these designs progress and look forward to the public conversations that will contribute to them.

National Science Foundation and the Willamette River Bridge

From ODOT-

Earlier this week I had the privilege of escorting a film crew associated with Oregon State University, the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Science and the National Science Foundation around the WRB project. The end product is a NSF piece for classroom use, aimed at students who are having a harder time grasping math concepts as they apply to real world.

This bridge project attracted them because of the unique arches that will support the new bridges. The arches, which may appear decorative to the casual observer, are actually highly technical, carefully engineered supports based on a modern update of construction principles used in the Roman Empire. The process to construct the arches requires a series of complex steps executed perfectly in concert- from the wooden arch structure and rebar cages that will frame poured concrete to the casting of the crown used to support the weight of both sides holding the arches together and providing the necessary strength for the overall bridge structure.

In addition to interviewing the project manager and a couple of engineers, the crew also interviewed one of the carpenter apprentice workers. She explained how she uses fundamental physics and math everyday in her job on the construction site.

Once the video and supporting curricular materials are completed, the NSF will make the materials available for free download through an associated website and catalogued by the NSF National Science Digital Library.

Tree wall shields park users of freeway noise

From ODOT-

Original plans for the Willamette River Bridge included removal of existing trees west of Interstate 5 and north of the bridge. Early on, local community stakeholders identified the importance of preserving these trees, which shield park users from the noise of the freeway.

We took the stakeholder's interest seriously. The best solution turned out to be a tree wall along the west side of the southbound I-5 lanes just before the bridge. The wall preserves the trees and provides an edge for the widened southbound lanes without increasing the width of the embankment impacting the trees.

For more information on additional environmental measures we're taking with the I-5 Willamette River Bridge, check out this article from HubDOT, written by ODOT environmental program manager Geoff Crook: Bringing new life to the Willamette River Bridge.

Below is a picture of the now completed wall being constructed.