Project Information
- Location: Morrison Bridge river spans
- Schedule: Construction scheduled January 2022 - summer 2023
- Estimated Total Cost: $20 million
- Funding Source: 90% federal, 10% county
Project Description
The steel on five river spans of the Morrison Bridge will be repainted. The steel areas that will be repainted are mostly below the deck. The spans include the center movable span, two flanking truss spans, and two girder spans above the river to the east. The easternmost girder span is partially over land, including the Eastbank Esplanade. The existing paint is peeling and must be replaced to avoid corrosion of the structural steel members. After the paint is removed, any corroded steel will be replaced before the span is repainted.
The old paint is lead-based, so each section of the bridge being painted will be fully encased to prevent the paint removal process from harming the environment. When the project is complete the newly painted spans will be lead-free. The bridge will be repainted silver.
As part of this project, we will perform structural analysis on the bridge’s steel members. We will identify any damage and make needed repairs.
Additional work will include replacement of the sidewalk panels on the lift span, and cleaning of the canopies, handrails and exterior of the operator towers.
Traffic Impacts
Current traffic impacts are:
- Traffic Lane Closure: The two outside traffic lanes on the bridge are closed so the contractor can build scaffolding, deliver materials, set up equipment and access the work site.
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Lane Reduction: Take caution when riding or walking across the bridge and be aware of construction materials..
- North Sidewalk Closure: The narrow north sidewalk of the bridge is closed from the west end of the bridge to the TriMet bus stop above SE Water Ave. through spring 2023. The bus stop remains open. Bicyclists and pedestrians should use the wider shared path on the south side of the bridge.
During construction, the vehicle weight limit on the bridge is reduced from 26 tons eastbound and 20 tons westbound to 20 tons in all directions. TriMet buses that cross the bridge will not be impacted by this change.
Construction Noise
Most work will take place within closed containment structures on the bridge during the day on weekdays. To reduce traffic impacts on the bridge, some night work is planned. Night work will include traffic control changes and moving work platforms. Painting and sandblasting, the noisiest activities, will not take place at night. The project is requesting permission from the City of Portland to work at night on eight weekends and six weeknights during the two-year project. Nighttime construction requires lower noise levels than for daytime work and will require a variance from the City of Portland’s Noise Control Office.
Multnomah County will limit construction noise and maintain neighborhood livability through these methods:
- All equipment will comply with US Environmental Protection Agency noise standards, including mufflers.
- Reduce truck movements at night.
- Use self-adjusting alarms or spotters instead of standard reverse signal beep alarms on vehicles at night.
- Use portable noise meters onsite to measure noise levels.
- Provide construction updates with information about night work and post online and email to those who sign up (use webform below to sign up).
- Maintain a 24-hour telephone response line for noise complaints (503-988-4884).
- The contractor will assist the County to address complaints within 24 hours or before the next scheduled night work.
We are interested in your feedback on this project. Please fill in the form below if you have comments, questions or suggestions.