Traffic Advisory: Closure of NE 21st Ave. bridge over Columbia Slough for bridge construction will last until fall
May 22, 2012
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Closure of NE 21st Ave. bridge over Columbia Slough for bridge construction will last until fall
PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Bureau of Transportation announced that the NE 21st Avenue bridge over the Columbia Slough will close on May 29 until the fall while outdated wooden bridge supports are replaced. Sidewalks will remain open for most of the construction.
With the bridge roadway closed to traffic, a detour route will be established with signs directing travelers to use NE Argyle Street, NE 33rd Drive and NE Riverside Way. The general public is advised to drive slowly and cautiously in work zones and obey signs.
The current NE 21st Avenue bridge over the Columbia Slough was built in 1974. Its timber supports have deteriorated, leading to a weight restriction that limits truck usage, and need be replaced.
Bridge rehabilitation will replace the timber supports with new concrete and steel supports. Additionally, the three spans of the bridge will be bound together for to better withstand earthquakes. With new supports, the bridge’s weight restriction will be lifted and trucks will be able to use the structure.
TriMet bus line 73, the NE 33rd Avenue line, will be detoured due to the closure beginning Tuesday. For complete TriMet schedules and trip planning, visit www.trimet.org or call 503-238-RIDE.
###