The county has its sights on replacing the nearly century-old Burnside Bridge, and as part of its efforts it is looking to obtain a grant in the amount of $535m.
The bridge’s replacement has been a high priority for Multnomah County and is expected to cost $900m. The current bridge was built in 1926 and would be unlikely to stand up to a major earthquake. According to geologists, the odds of an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 or higher occurring in the region over the next 50 years is one in three, so a new quake-resistant bridge is deemed a must.
County staff have been given the go-ahead by the Multnomah Board of Commissioners to use the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act to request a package of grants. The current Burnside Bridge spans the Willamette River and is a vital link between east and west Portland.
To raise the required $360m match from the county, officials are looking to issue a bond via the county’s Vehicle Registration Fee. A printing service can assist with keeping the public informed during negotiations like this.
A supplemental draft of the project’s environmental impact statement that includes cost-saving measures is available to the public for review and comment until June 13. Plans are for a final environmental impact statement to be published this December.
Design of the new bridge is expected to start in late 2022 with actual construction beginning in 2025, if funds are acquired.
Location
1308 SW 2nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97201
Get Directions →
Phone
Hours
Mon: 8:00 - 5:00
Tue: 8:00 - 5:00
Wed: 8:00 - 5:00
Thu: 8:00 - 5:00
Fri: 8:00 - 5:00
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed