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| ODOT lowers weight limit on aging U.S. 101B bridges - effective Nov. 10 (change) | ||
| 10/09/2009 | ||
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ODOT Region 2 | Oct. 7, 2009 | 10-270-R2 | For Immediate Release Adam Torgerson, Public Information Officer, (503) 986-2880 Editors: Effective date for restrictions changed to Nov. 10; signs will be installed during that week. ODOT lowers weight limit on aging U.S. 101B bridges Only trucks requiring special permits are affected ASTORIA – ODOT approved a reduction to the maximum load that can be driven across the Lewis and Clark Bridge, south of Astoria on U.S. 101B. Loads over 80,000 pounds will be restricted from using the 85 year old bridge. ODOT bridge engineers have also lowered the rating on the Old Youngs Bay Bridge, restricting vehicles weighing over 105,500 pounds from using the 88 year old bridge. Crews are scheduled to install signs during the week following Nov. 10, and restrictions will only affect specially permitted trucks with loads exceeding legal limits. The Lewis and Clark River Bridge was constructed in 1924 and is the only remaining single leaf bascule drawspan in Oregon. The 85 year old bridge’s wooden support structure is built out of untreated cedar. The timber is located in a severe marine environment and subject to tidal changes of up to 12 feet daily, causing substantial deterioration.  Caption: Decaying timber on the Lewis and Clark Bridge Bridge engineers estimate approximately 25 piles, six sills and nine spans need repair in order to keep the bridge functioning safely at its updated load rating; a complete rebuild of the lift span would be necessary to restore capacity to handle specially permitted heavy loads. Rather than rebuilding the bridge, ODOT is developing a repair project for summer 2011, with an estimated cost of $2.6 million, to maintain the function of the bridge at its lower load rating. The Old Youngs Bay Bridge was constructed in 1921. The double leaf bascule span can no longer handle specially permitted heavy loads over 105,500 pounds; the weight limit is necessary to slow deterioration of the main span. A complete rebuild of the span would be necessary in order to accommodate specially permitted heavy loads. Unrelated specifically to the weight restriction, the deck on the Old Youngs Bay Bridge is damaged and needs to be replaced. That deck replacement is planned for spring 2010 and will likely require closure of the bridge and a detour along U.S. 101 while the deck is being installed.  Caption: Bridge deck damage on Old Youngs Bay Bridge “Both bridges are over 80 years old and were designed for smaller, lighter loads,” said ODOT District Manager Dave Neys, “The updated weight limits and planned repairs will keep these bridges open for typical freight and passenger vehicles. Only vehicles requiring a special permit to carry loads exceeding legal limits will be affected by the weight restriction.” More information Lewis and Clark Bridge repair project Web site: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION2/US101B_LewisandClarkBridge.shtml Lewis and Clark Bridge photos and diagram: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oregondot/sets/72157622398007401/ Old Youngs Bay Bridge photos and diagram: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oregondot/sets/72157622398848343/ # # ODOT # #
Project information for northwest Oregon: http://www.odotproject.info Sign up for Region 2 news releases: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION2/contact_us.shtml |
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