In early 2025, crews will be constructing a 10-foot diameter shaft (or foundation) just north of the west end of the bridge in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. It’s an important step before construction, to help engineers know what’s in the soil and how to best construct the safest and most structurally sound foundations. Work activities will start on January 6, 2025 and last through April 2025. This work will not impact Portland Saturday Market Operations.
To ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner and to reduce the number of days nearby residents and businesses would be exposed to noise and possible vibrations from construction activity, the project has obtained a noise variance to start work at 6am and conclude at 6pm each week day. There will also be work conducted on two separate weekends. Construction setup will be prior to peak commute times. No nighttime work is being requested for this project. The amount of noise activity will last three to four weeks. Other activities include project setup, observation and cleanup.
What to Expect
- The work will involve clearing and stabilizing the site, laying rock and fencing the area.
- Crews will bring in large equipment like cranes and baker tanks
- Building the 10-foot diameter “test” shaft will include excavating and placing concrete
- This work will involve testing and monitoring of the test shaft.
The work area will be fenced in and contained within Tom McCall Waterfront Park. It will include the area under the Burnside Bridge and into the grassy area north of the bridge. Pedestrian and bike access will be rerouted around the work area either along the pedestrian path in Tom McCall Waterfront Park or along the west side of SW Naito Parkway. The bike/pedestrian path along the east side of SW Naito Parkway will remain closed for the duration of this work.
There won’t be any vehicular detours, but at times, there will be rolling slowdowns. Flaggers will be on site directing traffic on SW Naito Parkway to allow for large equipment to access the area.
Once the work is finished, the park will be fully restored to its original condition.
Stay Informed: To sign up for regular updates during this work or to submit a question or comment, email: burnsidebridge@multco.us. Please put ‘Test Shaft’ in the subject line.
Construction & Noise Hotline: Call 503.988.4884 to reach staff at any time with concerns about construction noise.