I-5 retaining wall getting its basalt overlay

Jan. 24, 2014                                                                                                                       R1-14-05

For more information: 

Don Hamilton, ODOT, 503-704-7452, Don.B.Hamilton@odot.state.or.us 

Susan Hanson, 503-731-3490, Susan.C.Hanson@odot.state.or.us

Project page: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION1/pages/iowaviaduct/index.aspx   

I-5 retaining wall getting its basalt overlay

The basalt façade, chosen by a vote, is part of the project that will end by late summer

The Oregon basalt overlay selected by public acclaim two years ago is now being applied to a retaining wall along Interstate 5 just north of the Terwilliger Curves.

The overlay is the last step in completing the retaining wall that runs along the west side of the freeway, part of the Iowa Street Viaduct Replacement Project. The new retaining wall will help stabilize the hillside and deter slides that could block I-5.

Citizens chose Oregon basalt as the façade for the retaining wall in a 2011 vote. More than 400 people took part. Voters indicated they liked the Oregon basalt because it looked durable, connected with the regional themes and blended in with the surrounding landscape.

The project has replaced deteriorating 55-year-old viaducts at milepost 298, just north of the Terwilliger curves, crossing a ravine at Southwest Iowa Street. The decks were in poor condition; frequent patches applied through the years were failing as new roadway cracks appeared.

The new viaducts meet today’s roadway and seismic standards with wider shoulders, wider center medians and new retaining walls. The project also includes a higher concrete barrier and provides room for a future southbound truck climbing lane.

The project started in 2010 and should be done late this summer. The final steps include landscaping and reconstructing the trail under the viaducts.

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• Basalt+at+I5+012414.pdf