Multnomah County is seeking public input on the range of options that will be evaluated for an earthquake-ready Burnside Bridge crossing. More than 100 crossing options have been studied during a feasibility study. The project team has proposed that four options advance to the environmental review phase, where their impacts and benefits will be analyzed before a preferred alternative is chosen.
The four proposed options are:
- An enhanced seismic retrofit of the existing bridge
- A replacement bridge with fixed spans (and a taller clearance for river traffic)
- A replacement movable bridge similar to the existing one
- A replacement movable bridge with an extended westbound approach from NE Couch St.
The public can comment on the range of alternatives, the project’s purpose and need, and the topics that will be analyzed during the environmental review in several ways:
- An online open house is open through September 30 at https://burnsidebridge.participate.online/.
- Two in-person open houses are scheduled:
- Thursday, September 13, 5 – 7 pm, Mercy Corps, 43 SW Naito Parkway
- Tuesday, September 25, 5 – 7 pm, Fair-Haired Dumbbell, 11 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners will vote on the range of alternatives on November 1. The range also needs to be approved by the Federal Highway Administration.
Multnomah County is funding the project through the environmental review phase. Additional funds will be needed to design and construct the preferred alternative.
The Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge project is examining options to create a resilient lifeline crossing over the Willamette River that can be in use after a major earthquake. Providing a way to get across the Willamette River after an earthquake will be critical for emergency response, reuniting families, and helping our community recover. For more information, visit www.burnsidebridge.org.
