Update on Burnside Bridge closure

A few weeks ago I shared news that the Burnside Bridge would be closed to cars and open only to bikes and peds for three weeks.

There was some confusion over the start of the closure and I just received the latest from the Multnomah County Public Affairs office.

Here’s the official word:

“A three-week closure of the Burnside Bridge for lift span repairs will begin at 9:00 am on Monday, July 16. The closure will impact motor vehicles only. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to cross the bridge at most times and river traffic will not be impacted. The bridge is scheduled to reopen by 6:00 am on Monday, August 6.

The closure will allow a contractor to replace parts of a hinge that attaches the 3.8 million pound counterweight to the lift span. The original parts have worn and broken so that the hinge cannot turn freely when the bridge opens for river traffic. If the hinge were to fail, the east lift span would not be able to open.

Replacement of the pin and bearing that form the hinge is technically challenging. The contractor will need to detach the counterweight and lower it to replace the parts. A complex rigging system will support the counterweight while it is detached. The bridge closure is needed to ensure the safety of the public, workers and the bridge itself. Vibrations from traffic could impact drilling operations and other work.

During the closure TriMet bus routes 12, 19 and 20 will use the Morrison Bridge. Alternate river crossings include the Hawthorne, Morrison, Steel and Broadway bridges. Of these, the Broadway Bridge has the most excess capacity and could be a good alternate crossing for many motorists.”

Woohoo…no cars! Let the party planning begin! Who’s bringing the squirt guns?