Project-Details

Astoria-Megler Bridge Painting Phases 2 and 3

Construction Phase

Region 2: Willamette Valley and Northwest Oregon (Astoria, Clatsop)

We are repairing damaged steel and repainting under the bridge deck.

Impacts

Traffic Impact

Expect single lane closures, delays and loud noises from bird relocation efforts.

Construction Impacts

During construction, plan for single lane traffic with flaggers and up to 20 minute delays. Lane delays will be allowed anytime on weekdays.

Single lane closures will be allowed:

Daily, Monday through Thursday, between 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Daily, Friday, between 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We are using a combination of light and sound to keep birds off the sections of the bridge where we are working. Migratory bird season is from March through September. How long we use these techniques depends on how the birds respond to what we are doing.

Later in 2023 we will be moving work to the south end of the bridge (Oregon side), at which time work will be done at night.

Details

About

The Astoria-Megler Bridge is a multi-span bridge over four miles in length. The bridge was built back in 1966.

Work includes:

Removing the original paint that may contain lead.

Painting under the bridge deck.

Repairing damaged steel.

Making other repairs as needed.

This work is necessary for the health and longevity of the bridge.

Location

U.S. 101 | Astoria

Cost and Funding

$24 million

Additional Information

Phase 2 has been completed and included the coating of both of the towers and all steel below the deck of the main span between the towers. The work started in March 2016 and was completed in the summer of 2018.

Phase 3 consists of recoating the deck trusses outside of the main span and will commence in 2021.

The work includes building structures to prevent or contain any paint and debris from falling into the Columbia River.

When construction begins in 2021, plan for single lane traffic with flaggers and up to 20 minute delays. Lane delays will be allowed anytime on weekdays. Travelers should drive through the area with caution. Oregon State Police will be enforcing the speed limit through the work zone. We anticipate completing construction by the end of 2024.

TripCheck has the most accurate construction impact information.