November 9, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Beth Sorensen, Public Information Officer
503.823.5300; 503.823.6634 (cell)
Portland Parks & Recreation closes 400-foot section of Eastbank Esplanade for repairs
The paved section, approximately 500 feet north of the Morrison Bridge, is expected to remain closed for at least a month as engineering solutions are determined
(Portland, OR) – On Friday afternoon, November 6, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) closed a small portion of the Eastbank Esplanade to bicycles and pedestrians for safety purposes. The 400′ section of the paved portion of the trail along the popular route that parallels the Willamette River will be closed for repairs until further notice. A simple, adjacent route is available on the cantilevered section along the same route.
NOTE: The location of the closure is roughly 500 feet north of the Morrison Bridge. SE Stark Street is an east/west directional indicator of the location of the closed section.
Over the past number of weeks a short section of the paved section of trail in this area has experienced some sagging. In order to do further investigative work, and to protect the public’s safety, PP&R has closed off access to this small section of trail, which parallels the grated metal section of walkway that is cantilevered out over the Willamette River.
The section is expected to be closed for at least a month as staff investigates the cause and scope of the trail failure, and determines an engineering solution that will prevent the problem from happening again in the future.
“We are very lucky that the section that needs to be closed has a perfectly safe alternative right next to it,” said Eileen Argentina, Services Manager for PP&R. The cantilevered section of grated metal walkway will remain open for all users during the time the parallel section of trail is closed. During the closure PP&R will investigate to determine the cause and potential solutions for the trail slumping, after which appropriate repairs will be made.
All users of the Eastbank Esplanade, including pedestrians, cyclists, dog walkers, runners, and others, will need to use the adjacent cantilevered section of the trail. Trail users should be cautious when using the metal grated walkway as all users, moving in both directions, will need to share this space. Additionally, trail users are encouraged to be mindful of construction vehicles and crews who will be present on the trail.
When construction begins on repairs, crews will also be staged in the parking area underneath the Hawthorne Bridge, which is a common access point onto the Eastbank Esplanade.
As changes occur, PP&R will keep the public informed about the length of closure and construction timing.
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