Interstate Bridge Reopens

Portland, Oregon -- Nearly one week after its emergency repair closure the northbound span of the Interstate 5 Bridge has reopened! The cracked trunnion has been replaced.

The Oregon and Washington departments of transportation, the cities of Portland and Vancouver, C-TRAN, Tri-Met, Clark County, the S.W. Washington Regional Transportation Council, and thousands of businesses and motorists celebrate the reopening, and applaud this region's most successful public-private partnership.

Public support and innovation were key to this success story.

Six months ago, ODOT and its multi-jurisdictional partners set out on a Mission Impossible public outreach effort to change the driving habits of interstate travelers on a highway system that stretches from Canada to Mexico.

The mission was successful. The Traffic Management Plan (TMP) which included roadway engineering treatments, High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, carpools, transit, rail and other creative remedies, reduced roadway use during the bridge closure by 30 to 50 percent. Scores of public agencies and countless businesses and motorists from both states helped make this happen.

Traffic experts are still reeling from the overwhelming public support of the TMP. "Words cannot describe the gratitude we're all feeling at this time," said ODOT Region 1 Manager Don Wagner. "The success of this effort hinged on what the public did. We asked -- and they gave."

Some motorists went beyond what was asked of them. During the bridge closure a car stalled on the single northbound lane into Vancouver. Even before tow or COMET trucks could respond, several motorists got out of their own cars and pushed the ailing vehicle a quarter mile across the bridge. The owner of the disabled vehicle was then able to glide the rest of the way, off the bridge and clear of the travel lane.

"I expected gridlock. I was never so glad to be wrong. I am so proud of our citizens -- all of our citizens," said city of Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard. "I want to make a special effort to thank all of those who 'just didn't go' -- those who tele-commuted or vacationed to help relieve congestion."

Businesses from both states organized car, van and bus pools. Transportation alternatives were encouraged, flex work schedules were offered, and in some situations employees were allowed to work at home.

"The public is to be commended for the great job its done in reducing congestion in the Portland -Vancouver area," said Portland City Commissioner Charlie Hales. "Let's hope the cooperation that was hammered out to make this project a success lasts a long time and that the lessons we learned about transit inform our choices about the future."

The electronic and print media were instrumental in educating and informing the public of the impending bridge closure. Their coverage during the closure was outstanding. Their collective voice was heard by millions of people in their cars, homes and work places. This teaming of government and media clearly showed concern for a shared constituency, the general public.

Innovation was the keystone to early completion of the trunnion repair project. With an estimated $5-12 million a day economic impact, time was of the essence. It was critical that ODOT locate a contractor who had the ability to undertake such a technically challenging and time-sensitive project.

Christie Constructors' $2.87 million bid was one of five submitted from around the nation to repair the 80 year old bridge. Selection was based on both technical and cost proposals.

The contract encouraged innovation by offering an $100,000 day incentive; additionally, an $100,000 day penalty loomed over the successful contractor if the bridge closure went beyond 21 days. Many contractors did not submit bids for this reason.

ODOT asked for innovation -- and got it. At its own expense, Christie developed an accelerated repair method that reduced the anticipated bridge closure by two weeks. The effort netted the Richmond, California corporation about a $1.4 million incentive bonus.

Shutdown of the project's 21-day Traffic Management Plan (TMP) with daily operation costs of $102,000 will offset the contractor's incentive bonus.

The shorter bridge closure also means fewer economic hardships and inconveniences to area businesses. Downtown Vancouver, and Jantzen Beach and Delta Park businesses are thrilled that the bridge has reopened.

In Washington state, Vancouver businesses are delighted that the bridge has reopened sooner than anticipated. "We've been very pleased with how the bridge closure has gone," said Tracy Reich, Executive Director of the Downtown Vancouver Association. "Though business has been normal and not impacted by the bridge closure, everyone is happy things are back to normal."

Terri Lunde, marketing director for the Jantzen Beach SuperCenter is equally pleased with the bridge reopening. "We congratulate the efforts of everyone involved who worked tirelessly to get the bridge back in operation," said Lunde. "Our merchants, including seven new ones, look forward to an exciting holiday shopping season."

Businesses further south are also celebrating. "Delta Park businesses are ecstatic over the reopening," said Preston LaBounty, owner of Rattan and More, and chairman of the I-5 merchants committee. "Business can now get back to normal and merchants can prepare for holiday shoppers." LaBounty was also a member of a focus group that helped prepare for the bridge closure.