Thurman Street Bridge closure will complicate Leif Erikson trail access this summer

Bridge work by city crews this summer will block off the Thurman Street Bridge over Balch Creek in Lower Macleay Park from Tuesday, April 1 until Labor Day.

The closure includes all of Northwest Thurman Street between 28th and 32nd, including stairway access from the bridge to Lower Macleay Park. A signed detour will be in place for local residents and visitors to Forest Park, the Leif Erikson Drive trailhead and Lower Macleay Park, the city said in a news release.

TriMet will provide local shuttle service in lieu of the Line 15 bus service on NW Thurman Street.

“The restoration involves rebuilding the bridge deck and supporting girders as well as upgrading the pedestrian railing from a chain link railing to one similar to the original 1905 design,” the city said in a news release. “The bridge deck and other structural elements are in poor condition with a weight restriction that prohibits heavy traffic. Upon completion, the weight restriction will be lifted.”

“This project, which involves dismantling and reassembling a historic bridge, is complex and unforeseen conditions may arise during construction that could cause the schedule to change,” it went on.

$3.4 million of the project comes from the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Bridge Program, with the remaining $388,000 coming from city funds.