Sauvie Island Bridge open to traffic
The new Sauvie Island Bridge will open to traffic this afternoon, following two and a half years of construction and a weekend grand opening celebration. The $42 million structure replaces the island’s original bridge, which was unable to support the weight of modern trucks.
“The big day is finally here for Sauvie Island residents, businesses and visitors,” said County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey, who led efforts to secure funds for the new bridge. “The cracks on the old bridge were discovered less than seven years ago. The bridge that opens today will help ensure that the island’s farms and rural way of life can continue for generations to come.”
While cars, trucks, buses and bicyclists can use the new bridge today, pedestrians will need to wait a few more months. Sidewalks at the mainland end of the new bridge cannot be completed until the old bridge is removed. Removal of the old bridge will also allow the contractor to widen the new bridge at Highway 30, to create room for a second turn lane for traffic leaving the island.
Other project work that will be completed this summer and fall includes:
• Removing the approach ramp to the old bridge
• Widening and recontouring the ramp to the new bridge
• Grading and paving two Gillihan Road connections to Sauvie Island Road at the bridge. The nearest Gillihan Road connection to the bridge will close today and reopen in the fall.
• Paving and landscaping a parking area and bus stop on the island.
Work this week will also require lane closures on Highway 30 near the bridge between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm. Two lanes will always remain open in the dominant travel direction during peak commute hours.
Multnomah County maintains the Sauvie Island Bridge and more than 300 miles of roads and bridges.
Posted on June 25, 2008
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