Construction of the new earthquake-resistant Burnside Bridge in Portland has hit a delay, with Multnomah County officials announcing that they will actively extend the Design Phase by an additional year, pushing the commencement of construction back to 2028. Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson emphasized, "The County remains committed to resilience projects like the Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge Project, which are critical for our region," in a news release published on March 20th, by Multnomah County.
It was stated in the announcement that the delay comes amidst "significant uncertainty at the federal level" impacting infrastructure projects nationwide. The postponement is intended to allow the project team to further refine the design and identify potential cost-savings. "Our team has decades of combined experience managing large projects, including two major bridge projects. We’re taking another look at ways to be smart with our resources that will help us build the new Burnside Bridge," declared Margi Bradway, Director of Multnomah County Department of Community Services.
The Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge Project is a major initiative aiming to replace the existing Burnside Bridge with one that can withstand a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. As it stands, no current bridges in downtown Portland's Willamette River are expected to be immediately usable post a major quake. More than just a bridge, the project is about ensuring an efficient, sustainable, and multimodal crossing over the Willamette River.
Jon Henrichsen, the Transportation Division Director, said "We will be taking more time to explore ways to bring the overall cost of the project down and look at ways to construct the new bridge in the most efficient and cost conscious way possible." These words highlight the team's dedication to a fiscally responsible approach to constructing the vital infrastructure. Funding for the project, which is the highest priority transportation project for Multnomah County, has been sourced locally more than any other project in the region, allowing the design work to push forward despite the extension.
Multnomah County extends gratitude to its partners who have supported the project up to this point and pledges to maintain communication with the community as new information becomes available. With construction now slated for 2028, this once-in-a-generation project continues to be a significant endeavor for the region, aiming to safeguard lives and infrastructure in the face of a potential natural disaster.
