About
The Archie Briggs Bridge connects Awbrey Butte and Boyd Acres Neighborhood Districts across the Deschutes River. The bridge, built in 1973 from salvaged rail cars, has had weight restrictions since 2016, requiring heavier vehicles like larger fire trucks and school buses take a 4.46-mile detour. The bridge also lacks bike lanes and sidewalks, and the guardrails do not meet current City standards.
The Archie Briggs Bridge Replacement Project will:
- Replace the current bridge spans.
- Remove the load restriction that currently limits access for heavier vehicles.
- Widen the bridge crossing to include two travel lanes, with sidewalks and bike lanes in each direction.
Location
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Archie Briggs Road in Bend.
Cost and Funding
Total Project Cost: $10,240,000.00
Funding Sources: City of Bend contribution: $3,245,000.00 and ODOT Local Bridge Program.
Benefits
Improved connectivity: All vehicle types and weights will be able to cross the bridge for direct access.
Safer crossing: New bike lanes and sidewalks on each side will provide safer crossings for those on foot and wheels. The City of Bend plans to add future sidewalks and bike lanes on the east and west sides of the bridge.
Updated utilities: The current bridge carries a number of utilities including sewer, water, storm, gas, and telecommunications that will need to be temporarily relocated during construction and supported by the new bridge in their final configuration.
Additional Information
Who was Archie Briggs?
Clarence Archie Briggs and his wife Bertha purchased land near the bridge site in 1943 and 1945. He operated a roofing business in Bend from 1944 to 1961. The bridge, road, and canyon trail all bear his name. Lent, Steve. Central Oregon Place Names. Vol. III Deschutes County. Crook County Historical Society, 2015.