• Repair the Link River Bridge decking.
• Strengthen the bridge to meet current standards.
• Replace the existing substandard bridge railing while maintaining its historical context.
• Replace the lighting on the bridge, matching the city downtown lighting theme.
• Enhance pedestrian safety and circulation by:
  • Replacing the sidewalks on the Link River Bridge,
  • Designating new crosswalks,
  • Adding new street lighting near new crosswalks on the west side of the bridge,
  • Extending sidewalks into Veterans Memorial Park, and
  • Making all facilities ADA compliant.
• Repave portions of the US 97 on- and off-ramps.

Project Information Paper                                                 Vicinity Map

	The OR 39 Link River Bridge in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

The Link River Bridge was constructed in 1931.  It provides access to downtown Klamath Falls from southbound US 97, to northbound US 97 from the downtown, and access to the downtown from the west portion of Klamath Falls.  The current average daily traffic on the bridge is 9,300 vehicles.
 
The bridge is in need of repair and strengthening.  Periodic bridge inspections have detected salt contamination and deterioration of the concrete deck below the asphalt wearing surface.  The effects of chloride contamination from salting roads are notable in the bridge deck, sidewalks and railings.  The existing asphalt wearing surface is allowing water to seep through and is unable to protect the bridge from further deterioration.  The original railings are crumbling and the steel reinforcement is showing in many places.  The rail is classified as functionally obsolete.
 
The sidewalks on the bridge are spalling and breaking apart.  Two of the four bridge approaches have no sidewalks and in general the site is not compliant with current ADA requirements.  The lack of sidewalk access to Veterans Memorial Park from the Link River Bridge, moving existing crosswalks, designating new crosswalks and providing pedestrian lighting are issues that need to be addressed.

The asphalt on the bridge will be removed as well as the contaminated concrete below the asphalt.  In its place, a new concrete surface will be placed. Strengthening measures will be applied to update the structure to current standards.  The crown on the travel surface will be reestablished to prevent ponding and allow for better drainage.  The bridge rail will be replaced to meet current standards and will be designed to retain its historical context.
 
The sidewalks on the bridge will be replaced and all approaches will be reconstructed.  Additional sidewalk from the southeast bridge approach to Veterans Memorial Park is planned.  New crosswalks across Main Street in the vicinity of the park are planned.  A new crosswalk will be designated on the southwest side of the bridge by the on- and off-ramps to US 97.  Lighting will be reinstalled on the bridge and near the newly designated crosswalk.  All new pedestrian facilities will be ADA compliant.  This work will improve pedestrian safety and circulation in the area.

$2.5 million