June 25, 2010 For more information: Rick Little (541) 726-2442
06-141-R2 email at: mailto:richard.little@odot.state.or.us
Lighting of U.S.101-Siuslaw River Bridge to take place on July 4
FLORENCE — 4th of July fireworks won’t be the only thing lighting the sky over the Florence riverfront this Independence Day.
At 9:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, 2010, the switch will be flipped on new lights that will highlight elements of the historic U.S. 101 Siuslaw River Bridge.
The lights are part of the two-year, $5.3 million dollar project to restore and modernize the drawbridge built in 1936. The lights will shine on the dolphins at the base of the bridge and on the pylons on the bridge approaches. They also represent a partnership between ODOT, the City of Florence and Lane County.
“The project paid for the lights that will illuminate the pylons,” said ODOT Assistant Project Manager Steve Templin. “But the dolphin lights were a joint effort of the City and the county,” Templin said.
Historic components retired, new computerized system tested
The project is upgrading the operator buildings on the bridge which have been damaged by wind and rain over time. It is also replacing the original mechanical and electrical drawbridge components with a state-of-the-art, computer operation system.
That new system is installed and being tested. The original components have been salvaged and will be preserved and displayed at the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum in Florence.
The renovation and modernization project is also restoring the glass windows in the operator buildings and repairing and painting any steel in the bridge spans that has corroded or weakened. The project will be complete in September, 2010.
Other 4th of July Activities
ODOT will be partnering with West Lane Emergency Operations Group to provide a Public Safety Booth. The booth will be open July 4th between Noon and 8:30 p.m. in front of the Port of Siuslaw office on Bay Street.
ODOT will teach children bicycle and pedestrian safety through fun and engaging activities. West Lane Emergency Operations Group will provide information and discussions about being prepared in the event of a disaster. The Group will also provide information on courses they are offering over the summer to the coastal community.
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