• $30 million is designated to build a new interchange where the bridge connects with Highway 43 on the west side
• Multnomah and Clackamas counties are permitted to enact local vehicle registration fees for the purpose of replacing the Sellwood Bridge
In addition, all Oregon counties and cities will receive new transportation funds raised from increases in state vehicle fees and the state gas tax. The City of Portland has agreed to commit $8 million a year of its new funds to raise $100 million for the new Sellwood Bridge. Multnomah County leaders believe the new local and state dollars will help secure federal funds to complete the project.
The projected cost to replace the Sellwood Bridge and the interchange with Highway 43 is $321 million, in 2012 dollars. A locally preferred alternative for a new bridge was approved by local jurisdictions in early 2009. Federal approval is expected in 2010. Bridge engineering and right of way acquisition are expected to begin in 2010, with construction starting in 2012.
If the county can secure all project funds, the bridge and interchange should be completed by 2015. If all funding cannot be secured by 2012, the project can be built in phases.
The Sellwood Bridge was built in 1926 as a neighborhood connector. Today it is Oregon’s busiest two-lane bridge, providing a critical regional connection between Multnomah and Clackamas counties. Replacing the deteriorating bridge is Multnomah County’s top transportation priority.
The structure has so many problems the federal government gives it a score of 2 on a sufficiency scale of 1 to 100. Its deficiencies include cracking, narrow travel lanes and geologic instability at the west end. Vehicles weighing more than 10 tons cannot use the bridge.
Bicyclists and pedestrians share a single sidewalk that is just four feet wide. County and consulting engineers inspect the bridge regularly to ensure it is safe for public use.
