| Columbia Gorge Bridge Projects |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| Overview |
|
Drivers on Interstate 84 see spectacular views as they pass through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Hosting more than 2 million visitors each year, the Columbia River Gorge NSA is one of the most frequently visited natural attractions in the nation. In fact, I-84 just east of Portland has the highest daily traffic volume of all Oregon interstates. That’s why keeping traffic moving along one of Oregon’s busiest thoroughfares in one of the nation’s most treasured National Scenic Areas is a top priority for the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Numerous bridges along I-84 through the Columbia River Gorge create a seamless corridor for travelers. Built in the latter half of the 20th century, many of these bridges are showing signs of aging and wear, and must be repaired or replaced.
Today, ODOT is repairing or replacing 21 spans on I-84 through the Gorge with a new generation of bridges. Modern design and construction techniques will bring greater safety to travelers. New bridge designs will complement the aesthetic appeal of the Gorge and reflect the allure of the adjacent Historic Columbia River Highway.
I-84 Corridor Strategy guides highway, bridge improvements
In the past, no clear, cohesive framework existed to guide roadway improvements in the Gorge corridor; highways and bridges were designed project-by-project. With the Gorge’s complex regulatory requirements and special interests, this approach has sometimes been costly, time-consuming and inefficient. Working with a team of public involvement professionals, ODOT led development of the I-84 Corridor Strategy that now guides the design and development of future transportation projects within the Gorge.
The I-84 Corridor Strategy provides a vision that includes long-term goals for highway projects throughout the Gorge. The design guidelines include conceptual diagrams and recommendations for line, color, and texture of highway features and materials. The strategy also specifies a collaborative, interdisciplinary, interagency approach to project planning and development.
Early design guidelines were presented at public workshops in communities throughout the Gorge. A draft of the I-84 Corridor Strategy was made available to the public and revised based on public comments. The final document was completed in late November 2005.
|
| Project Site Map |
|
|
| Schedule Overview |
|
The design contractors—Parsons Brinckerhoff, David Evans and Associates, and HNTB—are following the I-84 Corridor Strategy design guidelines to create bridges that complement the beauty and historic legacy of the Columbia River Gorge.
Project teams will complete design work in spring 2009 for bridges between Troutdale and Cascade Locks and from Mosier to The Dalles Dam Access. Design will be completed in fall 2009 for the Hood River project at Exit 64. Construction closely follows the end of design for each project. Construction contractors are chosen through competitive bidding.
Construction began last summer on bridges from Cascade Locks to Hood River and on the Mosier Creek bridge.
Repairs to Interstate 84 bridges at Hostetler Way in The Dalles and Rock Creek in Mosier were completed in summer 2007.
The following is a brief description of each “bundle,” or set of bridge projects, included in the Columbia River Gorge corridor. Click on each link for more details.
I-84 Sandy River to Jordan Road
These four bridges serve as a gateway between the Gorge and the Portland metropolitan area. ODOT recently worked with stakeholders to select a contemporary design for the I-84 bridges over the Sandy River in Troutdale. The eastbound bridge will include a combined bicycle and pedestrian crossing over the Sandy River.
Design will be completed in early 2009, with construction scheduled from spring 2009 until fall 2012.
Project Information
I-84 Dodson to Tanner Creek
These four bridges lie just west of Cascade Locks and are near Bonneville Dam, Ainsworth State Park and John B. Yeon State Park. Design will be completed in early 2009, with construction scheduled from spring 2009 until fall 2011.
Project Information
I-84 Cascade Locks to Hood River
The bridges in this bundle make up the heart of the Gorge and are critical links for agriculture and recreation. They span the junction of the Hood and Columbia rivers. Construction began in July 2008 and will be completed in fall 2010.
Project Information
Look here for the weekly construction news that details traffic impacts on the project, updated every Friday.
I-84 Exit 64 (Hood River)
Now a separate project, this bundle includes replacing the overpass bridge on Interstate 84 at exit 64 in Hood River and improving the interchange and Button Bridge Road beneath the overpass.
Design work started in fall 2008 and will be completed by fall 2009. Construction is scheduled from early 2010 to late 2011.
Project Information
Project Summary
I-84 Hood River to The Dalles
Connecting history, community, wildlife and commerce, these five bridges are located at the east end of the Columbia River Gorge.
Construction on the Mosier Creek bridge replacement began in August 2008 and will be completed in fall 2010.
Project Information
Look here for the weekly construction news that details traffic impacts on the project, updated every Monday.
Design work on the remaining bridges has just been completed and construction is scheduled from spring 2009 until early 2012.
Repairs to the I-84 bridges at Hostetler Way in The Dalles and over Rock Creek in Mosier were completed in summer 2007.
Project Information
Gorge Bridges Newsletters
May 2009
February 2009
September 2008
April 2008
February 2008
March 2007
January 2007
October 2006
|
| Project Budget |
|
Bridge work is funded by the third installment of the Oregon Transportation Investment Act. Interstate 84 roadway improvements are funded by the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.
|
| Contacts |
|
For more information, contact Suzanne Roberts, Public Involvement Coordinator
(503) 471-6866; suzanne.roberts@obdp.org
To be added to our I-84 Columbia River Gorge Bridges mailing list, send an e-mail message to i84crgbridges@gmail.com; please include your e-mail address and/or mailing address.
For updated information on highway work and current travel information throughout Oregon, visit www.tripcheck.com or call the Oregon road report at 511 or (800) 977-6368.
|
|
|
|
