| Interstate Bridges Electrical Upgrade |
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| Project Summary: |
A $10.8 million project to replace electrical wiring, lights, signs, signals, motors, electrical cables and brakes on the Interstate Bridges (I-5) northbound and southbound lift spans. |
| Status and Timeline: |
Construction began March 2004 and completed mid-May 2005. |
| Traffic Impact: |
Work is complete on this project.
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Project Information
An estimated $10.8 million project is under way to replace electrical wiring, lights, signs, signals, motors, electrical cables and brakes on the Interstate Bridges (I-5) northbound and southbound lift spans. The contractor is Hamilton Construction of Springfield, OR. Pedestrian safety barriers will be added and the traffic gates replaced. Much of what is being replaced is over 40 years old. Upgrades are spread out over the length, width and height of the structures. The upgrade addresses structural modernization and replacement of the lift-span control panel.
Though work will take place during day and nighttime hours, lane closures on and near the bridges will be limited to evening and early morning hours.
Motorists can expect minor traffic impacts. To cross the Columbia River and avoid construction, motorists may use the Glenn Jackson Bridge by way of I-205.
Gear replacement will affect river traffic for approximately three months during the course of the project. However, the high-span and prescheduled openings will provide river traffic passage beneath the bridges during these periods.
Intermittent restrictions will be placed on pedestrian and bicycle movements. Both northbound and southbound structures will be affected. There will be an alternate route during these restrictions.
Nighttime construction noise is expected to be minimal. Noise generated from construction activities is expected to be no louder than existing vehicular and air traffic. It is ODOT’s intent to keep those nearest the work notified of nighttime construction activities. Use the phone numbers below to report noise problems or other incidents requiring immediate attention.
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Interstate Bridges Facts and History
The Interstate (twin) Bridges on Interstate 5 connect Portland, Oregon with Vancouver, Washington across the Columbia River. The bridges consist of northbound and southbound spans built in 1917 and 1958, respectively. The side-by-side steel structures have tandem lift-span capabilities to accommodate a national and international shipping industry.
The two bridges have a full-time crew on deck to keep the aging structures in top operating condition. Only three other Oregon bridges -- all in Astoria -- have a designated maintenance crew.
This personalized care, combined with large maintenance projects, has kept the spans healthy and free of weight restrictions. With ongoing preservation, the bridges can serve the public for another 60 years.
The Interstate Bridges continue to be a vital link between Portland and Vancouver and complement any long-range plans to manage and improve transportation in the I-5 corridor between the two states.
Maintenance and repairs keep the bridges healthy and free of weight restrictions. Some recent bridge preservation efforts have included:
• 1987-90 - Replacement of the lift-cables, drums, expansion joints and deck pavement overlay ($3 million)
• 1995 - Replacement of diesel generator and lift-engine ($120,000)
• 1997 - Replacement of an axle-like steel trunnion, counterweight sheaves and steel ropes ($3 million)
• 1999-2001 - Painting, sub-deck and steel rehabilitation on the northbound bridge ($20 million)
The current project will upgrade and replace significant portions of the electrical systems within the two spans. Transportation funding experts estimate a replacement bridge would cost between $500 million and $1 billion.
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ODOT Contact Information
To request a return call or more information call: 503.731.3244
TTY: 1.800.735.2900
(during weekday business hours)
To report after hours issues requiring immediate attention call: 503.412.2353
Recorded construction information is available by calling: 503.223.0066
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