Maintenance crews from the Multnomah County Bridge Section have constructed a new walkway under the Sellwood Bridge, replacing an existing wooden deck. The new walkway is constructed of galvanized steel grating. The crew is also installing double handrails on both sides of the walkway. The new structure will allow better access to the bridge for inspections of the structure and any utilities suspended on the structure.
The walkway was designed by County engineers and cost approximately $36,000.
The existing walkway consisted of two wooden planks attached to the underside of the bridge structure with a single handrail.
County Maintenance personnel cut and pre-assembled many of the components at the Bridge Shop facility and transported them to the site. From the roadway above the bridge, workers used a truck crane to lower the components over the side of the bridge to other workers below. The pieces were staged along the length of the bridge until needed.
Beginning at one end, Maintenance workers assembled the components in short sections, pulling up the existing walkway as they proceeded.
Handrail sections were welded together and the edges sanded smooth and painted to match the rest of the bridge. At all times, personnel working beneath the structure were required to wear fall protection harnesses connecting them to the structure. Once the project is completed, harnesses will no longer be required to inspect the bridge or the pipeline.
The completed walkway will be much stronger and safer than its predecessor.