| U.S. 101: Siuslaw River Bridge |
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| Overview |
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The Siuslaw River Bridge is a drawbridge located at MP 190.98-190.99 in Florence on U.S. 101. This project is the first major upgrade of the bridge’s electrical and mechanical elements since the bridge opened to traffic in 1936. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the bridge’s electrical and mechanical system is aged and degraded, operator buildings are suffering rain and moisture damage, and other general maintenance is needed.
The project will replace the bridge’s manual operating and control system with computer and video technology. The original control console will be donated to the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum in Florence. The project will also upgrade the operator buildings as well as repair, paint and protect the bridge columns and spans.
Designed in the Art Deco style by Oregon’s renowned state bridge engineer, Conde McCullough, the bridge cost $527,000 to construct. The federal Public Works Administration provided funding.
The Florence bridge was one of five major structures built as part of Oregon’s Coast Bridges Project. Like the other bridges completed on the Oregon Coast Highway in 1936, the Siuslaw River Bridge replaced ferry service across one of Oregon’s major rivers. The bridge was built by the Mercer-Fraser Company, Eureka, California.
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| Public Involvement |
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Construction began this June 2009. This is a two year project and work will have minimal impact on traffic. Crews may not close traffic lanes between 7a.m. and 8p.m. on weekdays and may not close any lanes between 8p.m. Friday and midnight Sunday. The contractor will alternate sidewalk closures to allow worker and equipment access to areas under the bridge. One sidewalk will be open at all times.
A barge under the bridge will hold compressors and paint equipment. Boaters should pay attention to warning signs. One bridge span will always be open for boaters.
The contractor is Hamilton Construction of Springfield, Oregon. The barge is being rented from a local Florence company.
Please check our weekly construction updates for more information.
Comments or questions may be directed to Project Manager Chuck Lemos via email or telephone, (541) 744-8080.
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| Contact |
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Please contact the Project Leader with questions or comments. Media inquiries
should be referred to the Public Information Officer.
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