Interstate 105 Bridge Preservation Project Interstate 105 (Washington/Jefferson Street Bridge) bridge repair project

How we get where we need to go is a key part of everyone’s lives. Getting information to everyone about changes that may affect them can be hard. While we’ve talked to many community members about this project and its impacts, many didn’t hear about it. We apologize. Please help spread the word and share this and future updates.

 

Many people have changed their routes to avoid construction. Unfortunately that impacts other areas of the city, often more than the construction area itself. On TripCheck you can get an update on construction (lane and ramp closure status) and see how traffic is flowing. I-105 may be your best route.

 

Now that we know where impacts are occurring, our City of Eugene partners are regularly evaluating and modifying signal timing on different routes. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding of their fellow travelers, especially during commutes. Plan your trips and we’ll get through this together.

 

As we finish the first phase, we are taking another look at the remainder of planned construction with the contractor to determine if there are alternate methods of construction that could reduce community impacts of lane and ramp closures and how those changes would impact the scope of the work, the overall schedule and the budget for the construction.

 

The ramp from southbound Delta to westbound I-105 will remain open through this part of the project. Because of construction plans and schedules, sharing that the ramp might need to close was part of our outreach to the community. A solution to keep it open was found, and plans were changed. We’ll continue to look for similar ways to improve as we move ahead so plans will continue to change. At some point later in the project the ramp will close to be worked on.

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It can be difficult to imagine what a construction project means until it starts. This is not a short-term paving project, it is multi-phased, complicated construction work on a vital travel and economic trade route through the community. These bridges are 50 years old and there are safety and preservation issues that must be addressed.

 

This $18 million bridge preservation project will:

• Replace the damaged and worn concrete road surface.
• Replace the bridge joints that hold the bridge sections together, including replacing one that has already failed.
• Install seismic reinforcements under the bridges to keep them in place in an earthquake, preserving a lifeline route.
• Replace the outdated bridge railings to meet current crash standards and protect travelers.
• Remove an obsolete bridge that needed maintenance and updating for safety.

 

We’ve been flexible in developing the schedule to help complete the work as efficiently and effectively as possible, and will continue to do so. We will share the current schedule on a regular basis, especially before road conditions change.

 

Planning components:

• Work that must be done to preserve the bridges
• Impact on the community (overall and for each component of the work)
• Timing of major area events
• Budget

Lanes and ramps may be closed at different times for varying lengths of time through the mile long section. They will be open as much as possible. We will continue to review the project at every step to ensure that we are completing the work efficiently and effectively, and minimizing impacts.

 

You may find that traveling through the construction zone can be faster than taking other routes. Know before you go and check TripCheck.com. Expect delays, give yourself extra time, go at off peak times, and consider alternate travel times and methods (walk, bike, bus, carpool), especially during peak travel times.

 

Current status

Crews have removed the east half of the obsolete overpass/bridge just south of the Willamette River. Now they are building it into regular, paved road. The bridge structure needed major work and seismic upgrades. Expect work to continue on this side for another three weeks.

Impacts

Lane and ramp closures are necessary to complete the work. Work will occur day and night, and it will be noisy at times. The multiuse paths on both sides of the Willamette River remain open and protected from construction. Work will be completed in mid-January 2021.

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