Rendering of new bridge at SE 45th Avenue courtesy of Fieldwork Design & Architecture

Project Update - January 15, 2020 

The new bridge at SE 45th Avenue is now open for use! Please use caution, as there will still be some construction activity near the trail, while the contractors complete the landscaping installation. Thank you for your patience during this project! 

Project Overview

Bridge #48 (SE 45th Avenue)

Thanks to funding from the Parks Replacement Bond, Bridge #48 on the Springwater Corridor will be replaced, and that portion of trail will be stabilized. This bridge is located near the Johnson Creek Boulevard trailhead at SE 45th Avenue and Johnson Creek Boulevard. It is the original wooden trestle bridge from the Springwater Division Line rail developed in the early 1900s, with footings in Johnson Creek, and needs complete replacement. The new bridge will be constructed with steel and concrete, and its footings will allow for clearer passage of Johnson Creek, which will improve fish habitat and reduce debris accumulation. 

Construction mobilization started July 16, 2019, with expected completion in January 2020. 

Much of the work directly in Johnson Creek is limited due to permit requirements on when in-water work can occur, which is why this work must occur during the summer months. We thank all the cyclists and pedestrians for their patience while we improve this segment of the Corridor. 

• During construction, the trail will be temporarily closed from SE 45th Avenue to SE 55th Avenue.
• A signed detour route running south of the trail will be in place.
• Some staging will occur in the adjacent Johnson Creek Trailhead parking lot. The parking lot may be closed periodically - up to five days at a time - to allow for construction staging of large materials for the bridge. 

Bridge #140 (SE Circle Avenue)

Bridge #140 decking replacement is a Phase 2 project of the Parks Replacement Bond. The bridge spans 114 feet and crosses Johnson Creek near Circle Avenue. The western half of the bridge's structure was replaced with steel in 2006 due to deterioration and the timber decking was salvaged. The decking had reached the end of its service life and was presenting a hazardous condition to users. It was slippery, uneven, and had large gaps.

The decking was removed and replaced with asphalt. The rail was salvaged and reinstalled by the contractor. Construction started in June 2019 and was completed on August 1, 2019. The trail is now open for use again. 

Find more information on other trail closures here. 

Contacts

Maija Spencer, Public Involvement Coordinator
maija.spencer@portlandoregon.gov, 503-823-5593

Marlo Medellin, Project Manager (SE 45th Avenue Bridge)
marlo.medellin@portlandoregon.gov, 503-823-5581

Evan Callahan, Project Manager (SE Circle Avenue Bridge)
evan.callahan@portlandoregon.gov, 503-823-5571 

Project Timeline for Bridge #48 (SE 45th Avenue)

• Summer 2017 - Spring 2018: Design Development
• Spring 2018 - Summer 2018: Construction Documents
• Fall 2018 - Winter 2018/19:  Permitting and Bidding
• July 16, 2019 - Mid-January 2020: Construction

Project Timeline for Bridge #140 (SE Circle Avenue)

• Winter 2017/18 - Spring 2018: Design Development
• Spring 2018 - Summer 2018: Construction Documents
• Fall 2018 - Winter 2018/19:  Permitting and Bidding
• June 3, 2019 - August 2019: Construction
• August 1, 2019: Construction completed, bridge open for use 

Project Updates

To receive project updates, sign up here.