| OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program |
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| Web Brief (Sep 05) |
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New design for Pleasant Hill Bridge improves mobility
Unique challenges call for unique solutions. ODOT engineers faced numerous mobility challenges on a critical corridor when they began preparations to replace the Pleasant Hill Bridge on Oregon 58 in Lane County as part of the OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program.
Three highway lanes narrow to two on the Pleasant Hill Bridge. This abrupt constriction of the corridor is dangerous for drivers who converge on the bridge at top highway speeds. A further complication to mobility is the busy timber yard at the east end of the bridge. Trucks entering the yard slow and stop traffic as they enter or leave, particularly when taking an eastbound left-hand turn into the yard.
Pleasant Hill Bridge was scheduled to be replaced with another two-lane bridge. Such construction requires building a separate detour structure as a temporary bridge until the new one is in place. But a simple replacement would not solve the underlying mobility issues around and on the bridge.
ODOT and Lane County worked together to come up with a solution that will improve mobility and spur economic stimulus while being safe, cost-effective, and efficient.
The ODOT design team created plans for a four-lane bridge with two lanes in each direction. One of the eastbound lanes would be a left-hand turn lane. Westbound, the bridge would provide two through lanes for traffic. The new design improves long-term mobility and safety in the corridor for the maximum number of stakeholders.
The new design had several immediate impacts. Because a wider bridge would benefit the local economy, the Lane County Board of Commissioners voted to contribute $385,000 to the project. Also, the existing bridge can remain open during staged construction, eliminating the necessity for a separate detour structure. Best of all, the total estimated cost for the four-lane solution is less than the amount allocated for the original two-lane proposal.
The new design for the Pleasant Hill Bridge demonstrates how effective cooperation and effective design can solve challenges. The new bridge design simultaneously minimizes resource use, improves congestion, supports a thriving local business, and improves the overall flow of traffic.
##ODOT##
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