The Ellsworth Bridge last Thursday afternoon. The cross braces are to be raised next year.
Here’s the latest update on the project to raise the clearance height of the Ellsworth Street Bridge in Albany so tall rigs are less likely to crash into and damage the overhead beams.
The main point: The clearance will be made even greater than ODOT had planned at first.
In September, I reported that ODOT had sent Albany residents a mailer announcing the project for 2024. The department served notice that during construction, the bridge would be closed and traffic would be routed via the Lyon Street Bridge instead.
I had some questions, which I sent via email to James P. Doll, the project manager for ODOT.
First, was it still ODOT’s plan to raise the vertical clearance from the current 14 feet 11 inches to 16 feet, as it had said in 2020? No, it turns out.
“The project design raises the clearance from the existing 14 feet 10.5 inches to 17 feet 2.5 inches,” Doll told me, also by email.
What’s the latest estimate for the expense? “The project construction budget is $5,656,144,” Doll replied. “The project has gone to bid and it is expected this budget will be sufficient.”
This bridge, built in 1925, was designed by Conde McCullough, the legendary bridge builder in Oregon’s Highway Department back in the day. I wondered whether raising the clearance would alter the structure’s appearance.
Said Doll: “The project design team worked with the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) to ensure cross brace modifications would not significantly alter the appearance of the bridge. The new cross braces will have a similar appearance to existing members.”
This seems to me to be a complicated project. How long is it likely to take?
Doll’s answer: “Construction is anticipated to begin early next year and be completed by October 31, 2024.”
The project manager came up with some drawings that were part of the bidding package. Here is one of them, looking at the bridge from the North Albany side. It looks about the same as it does now. Does it not? (hh)
From the bidding documents, ODOT sent me this drawing of the bridge after the cross braces are raised.
Although I completely understand the need for this project, I am not looking forward to the traffic delays especially since that is a situation that we currently face at times.
Why would anyone care if the altered bridge infrastructure looked any different than it does now? It is a BRIDGE, a workaday piece of steel. Please don’t tell us that there is any actual resistance due to Hysterical Preservation!
Your use of “Hysterical Preservation” sounds hateful. I’m offended.
According to a 2016 legislative background brief entitled “Bridges”, preservation of historic bridges is important for their cultural value.
Of course, to appreciate this policy a citizen needs to value history and culture, things you apparently lack.
Another factor is a shortage of funds in ODOT’s budget to replace the old dinosaurs, but that pales in comparison to historical and cultural preservation.
How about building a truck route so our little bridges don’t get overwhelmed with semis
Find a good route away from our “little bridges,” get ODOT onboard, we’ll give it a go…
Isn’t it restricted for weight now are they doing any to change that
Why are they raiding it so high if the maximum allowable truck height is 14’? I would think that this would have an impact on the structural integrity of the bridge.
Agreed. ANYTHING added to the bridge will add additional weight. Will this lower the weight restrictions, or are we heading for a collapse?
First, as near as I can tell, nothing will be added to the bridge. They’ll take out the old cross braces and install new ones. Second, there are no weight restrictions on the bridge.
Forget appearances, has anyone asked about the integrity of the bridge after this change? Seems to me that should be the real concern.
Has ODOT laid out specific travel patterns during bridge closure? 24 hours, part- time, nights, etc. this will certainly be a nightmare for people unless many change their travel patterns.
They couldn’t wait until the van buren in Corvallis is done?