Painting project underway on US 101: Alsea Bay Bridge in Waldport

 

April 17, 2013                                                       For more information: Rick Little (541) 726-2442

04-98-R2                                                             email at: mailto:richard.little@odot.state.or.us  

                                                                            

 

Painting project to reduce lanes and close sidewalks on bridge in Waldport

  

WALDPORT— A project to remove rust and paint the outer and inner arches of the Alsea Bay Bridge in Waldport has begun. The project will also paint the pedestrian rail and other portions of the bridge not painted during a previous project two years ago.

 

From now until project completion this fall, one lane of travel on the four lane bridge will be closed. One southbound lane is currently closed. Later, that lane will be opened and a northbound lane will close.

 

The lane closures should create little, if any, delay for motorists.

 

During the painting of the pedestrian rails, a sidewalk on the bridge will be closed. Currently, the sidewalk on the west side of the bridge is closed. Later, the sidewalk on the east side will be closed.

 

Corrosion and rust are common in the salt water environment of the Oregon Coast. The bridge is in need of a new coat of paint to preserve the bridge and ensure that it remains a functional and beautiful icon of the city of Waldport.

 

In addition to painting, the project will construct a new steel walkway below the bridge deck. This walkway will allow access for routine bridge inspections.

 

This project will be completed during daylight hours. Occasional flagging will be necessary as containment structures are installed and moved.

 

S & K Painting, Inc. of Clackamas, Oregon was awarded the low-bid contract of $2.5 million.

 

Bridge opened in 1991

 

The Alsea Bay Bridge replaced a 1936 Conde B. McCullough reinforced concrete arch design, which had fallen into disrepair by the early 1980s.

 

Construction on the new bridge began in 1988, and the $42.4 million bridge opened in late fall of 1991.

 

Two of the original McCullough pylons, spires, and some railing were incorporated into the new steel and cable arch central to the bridge. The arch is 450-feet long and 90-feet high. The 2,910 foot long and 80-foot wide Alsea Bay Bridge provides a navigational clearance of 70-feet.

 

Know Before you Go

 

For the latest road conditions, visit: www.tripcheck.com

 

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