 Pictured above: Crews repairing the concrete on the pier columns and arches under the bridge.
A significant restoration effort is underway on the St. Johns Bridge in Cathedral Park. We are repairing the pier columns and arches, preserving one of the city's most cherished and iconic landmarks.
After nearly 90 years, the concrete is chipping away, exposing the internal steel frame inside the pier columns (shown in the pictures below). This preservation work, the first of its kind since the bridge's construction in 1931, aims to protect the bridge's steel structure from corrosion.
The concrete requires more repairs than originally planned, so the project timeline is extended through June 2025. Crews anticipate completing work in Cathedral Park in February 2025.
Restoring the concrete on the pier columns and arches requires detailed handwork (shown in the pictures above). From start to finish, each pier takes between six to 24 weeks to repair depending on size and concrete condition.
Pictured above: Chipping concrete and exposed steel frame inside the pier columns under the St. Johns Bridge.
Pictured above: Restored pier columns and arches in Cathedral Park.
Our dedicated crew has successfully restored five of the 13 pier columns and archways that needed repair (shown in the picture above).
There is active construction in the park and scaffolding and wrapping are covering some of the pier columns and arches, impacting the views under the bridge (as shown in the picture below). For the safety of park users, work areas are fenced in, and some paths or areas of the park may be closed.
We are proud to restore the bridge's original character and historic charm, maintaining its beauty for generations to admire and enjoy. Thank you to park users and the St. Johns community for your patience as we work to preserve this important landmark.
 Pictured above: St. Johns Bridge and Cathedral Park, with wrapping around pier columns under the bridge.
Project Background
We are improving the long-term safety and lifespan of the St. Johns Bridge by repairing the concrete on the pier columns and arches under the bridge. Repairing the concrete will protect the bridge's steel internal frame and reinforcements from corrosion, maintaining the service life of this beloved Portland Historic Landmark.
Project Area
 Map is not to scale. For informational purposes only.
Traffic Impacts
The St. Johns Bridge will remain open to all travelers during construction. Minimal traffic impacts are expected during construction. Please visit the project website for the most current traffic impacts.
Project Schedule
August 2022–June 2025
Construction around the pier columns and arches under the bridge in Cathedral Park will continue until February 2025.
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