An online survey seeking public input on the recommended preferred alternative for a new earthquake-ready Burnside Bridge closes in one week on August 31. More than 3700 people have taken the survey to share their preference since it launched on August 3.
The survey is part of an online open house at www.BurnsideBridge.participate.online. The open house describes the recommended preferred alternative and other alternatives that are being studied and includes animated videos showing what a new bridge could look like. The open house is offered in English, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. People who complete the survey and provide their contact information are eligible to win one of three $150 gift cards.
In June, the Community Task Force that has worked with Multnomah County’s project team recommended the Replacement Long Span option as the preferred alternative. Their recommendation includes:
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A new bridge with a movable span in the middle, and long spans on each side, reducing the number of columns in unstable soils near the river bank.
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Closing the bridge during construction, instead of building a $90 million temporary bridge that would include two traffic lanes, sidewalks and bike lanes. Building a temporary bridge would extend construction by 1.5 to 2 years.
The project is in the environmental review phase and will issue a draft Environmental Impact Statement in early 2021 for public review and comment. After addressing public comment, this phase will conclude with a Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision that is anticipated to be approved by Multnomah County and the Federal Highway Administration in the fall 2021. After approval, the project can proceed to the final design phase. Should the project secure the necessary funds, construction is expected to start in 2024.
The Long Span was recommended by the task force because it:
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Performs the best in an earthquake
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Is the lowest cost (at an estimated $825 million)
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Provides more open space for community uses under the bridge
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Adds additional width on the bridge for bicyclists and pedestrians
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Has the fewest impacts to natural resources
Located in the heart of downtown and situated on a regionally established lifeline route, an earthquake-ready Burnside Bridge will be critical for emergency response, reuniting families, and helping our community recover after a major earthquake. None of Portland’s existing downtown bridges are expected to be usable immediately after a major earthquake. For more information, visit www.burnsidebridge.org.