| OR 43: Willamette River Bridge |
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| Project Information |
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The historic Oregon City/West Linn arch bridge on Hwy 43, spanning the Willamette River, has been a source of community pride since its opening in December 1922. Today the famous old bridge is badly in need of repairs. The arch span’s exterior sprayed concrete covering is deteriorating; the bridge deck needs to be replaced; and the historic bridge rails and balusters are in poor condition.
Early in 2009, a project will begin to restore this magnificent, historic bridge. The sprayed concrete covering, called Gunite, will be redone. The product was used to protect the steel arch span from corrosion relating to Oregon weather and nearby paper production. The deck and joints will be replaced. Craftsmen will replicate the historic railing with a safer design while retaining its historic look.
To complete the work, the narrow bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic. Bicycle and pedestrian access will be maintained whenever possible.
Read Frequently Asked Questions about the upcoming bridge rehabilitation project
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| Bridge History |
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 This bridge and other beautiful Oregon bridges are the legacy of Conde B. McCullough, one of the leading bridge engineers in the United States between the world wars. His work in Oregon—hundreds of structures including more than 30 arched spans—was part of the state’s nationally recognized highway system at a time when the automobile first claimed its place in the life and character of America.
McCullough constructed many concrete deck arches in the 1920s for Oregon highways. He first diverged from this form when he designed a span to cross the Willamette River at Oregon City in 1922. Here, an old wooden suspension bridge had outlived its usefulness. McCullough studied the site for two years. A deck arch was possible, but steady traffic on the river and the main channel depth prohibited the use of wooden falsework needed during construction. A steel-truss span or a suspension bridge was vulnerable to corrosion.
A steel half-through arch, in which the road deck rested halfway up the curved ribs of the span, was what McCullough finally chose. He used the old suspension bridge’s anchors, towers, and main cables instead of false work in erecting the central arch’s massive, 360-foot box-girder ribs. He then encased the structure in Gunite, a mixture of sand, cement, and water, which was sprayed on all metal surfaces to protect them from corrosion. He completed the bridge with a concrete deck and railings.
In 2005, McCullough’s Willamette River (Oregon City) Bridge was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
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| ODOT Contact Information |
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Rick Keene, ODOT Project Leader
(503) 731-3289
Rick.K.Keene@odot.state.or.us
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Judy Shioshi, ODOT Community Affairs Coordinator
(503) 731-8237
Judy.A.Shioshi@odot.state.or.us
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