Chatter about the Sellwood Bridge is on the upswing. The old bridge, which is failing under its own weight, is set to either be significantly renovated or completely re-constructed. Regional bike planners, advocates, and advisory committee members are getting ready with plans, letters, photographic evidence, informal polls, whatever it takes to ensure that any new construction includes safe and adequate bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Based on feedback during research for their “Blueprint for Better Biking,” The BTA considers the Sellwood Bridge their #1 priority project at the moment. Money for the bridge was one of the main things the BTA asked for during our time on Capitol Hill and by the responses we got it was clear that our representatives in the Senate and Congress understand that this is a very important project. Here’s a Sellwood Bridge update on the BTA Blog.
Since the bridge is under Multnomah County’s jurisdiction, the Multnomah County Bicycle and Pedestrian Citizen Advisory Committee (MCBPCAC) will have some influence on the final project. I attended their meeting last night and reviewed the letter they will send today (PDF) to Diane Linn and the County Commissioners. Committee member Greg Olson has taken some good photos that illustrate just how terrible conditions are on the existing bridge for bikes and peds. I will try and post those photos soon.
The MCBPCAC is asking for us to send letters to Ms. Linn, telling her how important safe and adequate bike and ped access on the Sellwood Bridge is to the community. You can send letters to:
Chair Diane Linn
Multnomah County Chair’s Office
501 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 600
Portland, OR 97214
For more background information on the Sellwood Bridge, Multnomah County has prepared a good fact sheet. Download the PDF version here. There will also be a new citizens advisory committee forming for this project. If you’d like more information about that, contact Mike Pullen. Stay tuned for more information and developments as this project moves forward.