Bridges
Latest Stories
Oregon’s bridge conditions improve, but a long-term decline is still expected
Oregon Department of Transportation's Bridge Program manager Bert Hartman said the replacement process is still happening too slowly.
8-hour shifts, 8-minute bridge lifts: At work with Portland bridge tenders
For the latest installment of OPB’s “At Work With” series, we met with two unsung guardians of Portland’s transportation network: the Multnomah County bridge operators.
Fire damages Multnomah County bridge repair shop
The bridge shop is the maintenance and operations center for the county’s six Willamette River bridges and 22 smaller bridges. It’s located on Southeast Water Avenue, wedged between the Hawthorne Bridge’s eastbound and westbound ramps.
Workers call for end of political messages on Willamette bridges after Israel light display dispute
Multnomah County staff responsible for raising and lowering drawbridges spanning the Willamette River say they are tired of county officials using bridges as a canvas for political statements. Following the contentious decision to light the Morrison Bridge in support of Israel this month, bridge operators have asked county commissioners for a policy change.
Weekday Wrap: Report details Oregon weather disasters, Shakespeare Festival gets $10M gift and drought conditions ease in Northeastern Oregon
Also inside: Multnomah County seeks input for the design phase of a new Burnside Bridge and Oregon Rep. Susan Bonamici introduces a bill to address Oregon's public defender crisis.
President Joe Biden discusses runways and bridges in Portland pit stop
Biden was joined by Gov. Kate Brown and members of Oregon's congressional delegation in an appearance at Portland's airport. It was his first visit to the state as president.
Who gets to decide the color of the lights on Portland’s Morrison Bridge?
For decades, Portland’s bridges tended to be stately edifices. But in 1987, a couple of electrical unions decided it might look nice to illuminate the Morrison Bridge for Christmas. Carols were sung, and flood lights with color filters were switched on.
Cutting costs could mean fewer lanes on new Burnside Bridge
A task for working to replace the Burnside Bridge has recommended changes that would save $200 million.
Inflation plagues effort to earthquake-proof Burnside Bridge in Portland
Portland's downtown bridges aren't expected to survive a Cascadia subduction zone earthquake. So Multnomah County wants to tear down and rebuild the Burnside Bridge so it's earthquake-proof. But inflation has pushed the price tag up to $1 billion.
Clark County leaders object to prospect of tolls on I-5 bridge replacement
Clark County has signaled its support of a project to build a new Interstate 5 bridge crossing the Columbia River but its council added some conditions, asking for no tolls to be placed on the bridge or options for mass transit. The county has little jurisdiction but the move could be a sign of tensions that may lie ahead.