OTC Briefed on I-5 Bridge Repair Project

Salem, Oregon -- A state transportation official briefed the Oregon Transportation Commission today (June 18) on a major bridge repair project scheduled this fall in Portland.

Don Wagner, regional manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), told commissioners that September 16 is the official closure date to repair the lift span of the northbound Interstate 5 bridge between Portland and Vancouver.

"We have a transportation infrastructure that is getting worn out," said Wagner. "A perfect example is this particular bridge."

The repair work, which includes replacement of a cracked axle-like steel structure, or trunnion, will require complete closure of the 80-year-old northbound span for 21 consecutive days.

Wagner also announced completion of a draft Traffic Management Plan (TMP) aimed at minimizing traffic disruptions on I-5 as well as on alternate routes during the bridge closure.

"If we do nothing to lessen the impacts of this closure, we could see traffic backups for as long as 20 miles in each direction," he said. "By implementing this traffic plan, major congestion problems can be lessened if everyone cooperates."

"We will do our part by giving drivers travel options during the closure," Wagner said. "However, commuters and employers must do their part by changing when and how they get to work."

Major components of the draft TMP include: opening the southbound I-5 bridge to two-way traffic with a reversible middle lane for use by southbound traffic in the mornings and northbound traffic in the afternoons; enhanced bus service provided by Tri-Met and C-TRAN (Vancouver); special High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes approaching the I-5 and I-205 bridges dedicated to buses and car pools; and a variety of programs to encourage motorists and employers to change commute habits to lessen the traffic load at peak hours.

A multi-jurisdictional, bi-state public agency worked together to develop the plan. The group included representatives from ODOT, the Washington Department of Transportation, the cities of Portland and Vancouver, Clark County, Tri-Met, C-TRAN, Metro and the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council.

Also, focus groups representing businesses and neighborhoods on both sides of the river provided feedback on the traffic management plan.