Wildfires Prompt State to Delay Bridge Replacement Project

To keep the highway system open for wildfire evacuees, the Oregon Department of Transportation is delaying the I-5 Interstate Bridge Trunnion Replacement Project and is asking the U.S. Coast Guard to move the timeline by two weeks to finish repairs.

The state wants to make repairs from 12 a.m. Sept 22 to 11:59 p.m. Oct. 6. The state will immediately alert the Coast Guard and the maritime community if the state finishes repairs sooner than expected.

Meanwhile, mariners can pass under the bridge by using the high span between Pier 5 and Pier 6 (three white lights over one green light) with a clearance of 72 feet to the zero water level mark, according to the agency.

While trunnions and other bridge parts are being replaced, the northbound bridge’s life span can’t be raised. Recreational vessels can’t transit while a safety zone is in place near the construction area. Sailboat operators must be mindful of their vertical clearance when moving under the high span.

Visit https://www.interstatebridge.org/ for more updates.

By Sarah Spangler