City gears up to replace storm-damaged 122nd Avenue Bridge

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Portland’s Bureau of Transportation plans to spend $2.8 million to replace the storm-damaged 122nd Avenue Bridge over Johnson Creek in East Portland.

City officials outlined the work Wednesday afternoon that includes a detour through area neighborhoods while the bridge is replaced.

The 122nd Avenue Bridge was damaged by winter’s heavy rains and remains closed to motor vehicles until a replacement bridge can be built, probably in 2019. The sidewalk is open for biking and walking.

“Public safety is our top priority and in this case to keep the public safe we need to limit access to the bridge until it can be replaced,” said Leah Treat, Portland transportation director. “We understand a closure of this magnitude will be an inconvenience for the traveling public, and we will work to minimize the inconvenience in the coming weeks and during the construction period. We have made this decision after carefully considering the need for public safety.”

Oregon’s Department of Transportation approved funds for the project in March, providing $2.5 million through the federal Highway Bridge program. The city is matching the funds with $300,000 from parking revenue and a share of state gas tax money.

During replacement, local access will be maintained south of Southeast Foster Road and North of Flavel Street for residents and businesses. Access to the Leach Botanical Garden, which is located next to the bridge, will also be maintained.

“Spring begins our busy season at Leach Botanical Garden, with weddings and events as well as casual visitors coming to enjoy the peace and beauty,” said David Porter, executive director of Leach Garden Friends, a nonprofit that operates the garden for Portland Parks & Recreation. “We want people to know that our parking lot is open as normal and can be reached from the south via Flavel Street.”

The city will host an open house to learn more about the bridge replacement project, 7 to 8 p.m., April 28, Manor House at Leach Botanical Gardens, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave.

For more information on the open house, contact Cevero Gonzalez, 503-823-5080; by email, cevero.gonzalez@portlandoregon.gov.