Bridge construction to close SW Boones Ferry Road at Tryon Creek: Detour begins March 30; COVID-19 precautions in place

 The $8.8 million bridge project will restore connections for people, fish, wildlife

Visuals: Boones Ferry restoration video; detour map; project photos (links below)

(March 25, 2020) –  The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services on March 30 will begin the major construction phase of a habitat restoration and bridge-building project on SW Boones Ferry Road where it crosses Tryon Creek. 

Crews will build a new bridge over the creek to restore healthy water flows, reduce flooding risk, and improve passage for native fish. A creekside trail will complete a missing link to the existing area trail network, creating a safer crossing and connections for people and wildlife. Crews also will cover a sewer pipe that crosses the creek to protect it from damage.

Single lane closures have been in effect this month. Beginning March 30, a full road closure will be in effect on SW Boones Ferry Road between SW Arnold Street and SW Comus Court. The closure and a detour will be in effect for up to seven months to allow crews to remove the roadbed and build the 125-foot steel girder bridge. 

A recommended detour directs Boones Ferry Road travelers to use SW Stephenson Street and SW 35^th  Avenue to reach SW Terwilliger Boulevard. The public is asked to travel cautiously, expect some delays, observe directions of reader boards and flaggers, and use alternate routes when possible. TriMet Bus Line 38 have alternate detour routes.

Given the COVID-19 crisis that affects us all, Environmental Services is taking extra measures to protect the public, contract crews, and employees. Workers have been directed and supported to follow CDC guidelines for social distancing and hand washing. Environmental Services also has consulted with area agencies to ensure emergency responders are aware of the detour and that response times will not be hindered. As the public has largely been following  COVID-19 guidelines, Environmental Services and the Portland Bureau of Transportation have seen a noticeable drop in traffic at work zones throughout the city.

“We are committed to continuing important construction projects that protect public health and our environment,” said Environmental Services Director Mike Jordan, “During this unprecedented crisis, we are working to take care of ourselves and each other while providing the critical services  our community needs.”

The $8.8 million SW Boones Ferry Bridge and Restoration Project involves many partners. It is being managed  and funded primarily by Environmental Services. Metro is providing a $650,000 grant through its Nature in the Neighborhood program.

Other project partners are: Portland Parks and Recreation, Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Water Bureau, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, and community groups including Tryon Creek Watershed Council, SW Trails PDX, Friends of Tryon Creek State Park,  SWNI Transportation Committee,  Arnold Creek Neighborhood Association and adjacent and nearby property owners.

Video and project updates: see www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/boonesferry 

More photos: Flickr.  

Additional links:

Feb. 12, 2020 news release

Feb. 20, 2020 traffic advisory

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The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. www.portlandoregon.gov/bes and @BESPortland. 

Media contact: Diane Dulken (503)457-7636 diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov