Despite ongoing federal uncertainty affecting infrastructure projects nationwide, Multnomah County is moving forward with the Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge Project, which aims to build a bridge capable of withstanding a major earthquake. However, in light of the uncertain times, the County has decided to extend the project’s Design Phase, pushing the start of construction back by a year to 2028. This extension allows for further design refinement and potential cost-saving measures.

“The County remains committed to resilience projects like the Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge Project, which are critical for our region,” said Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. “This seismically resilient bridge will not only provide much-needed infrastructure, it will be an immediately usable lifeline route for emergency responders in the wake of a major earthquake, increase multi-modal transit options and help us meet climate goals for the long term.”

The Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge Project is Multnomah County’s highest priority transportation initiative. The County has been diligently working on this project for eight years, and major infrastructure undertakings often take many years to complete, especially when leadership and administrations change. As such, it’s common for projects of this magnitude to experience extended timelines, and the County is fully prepared for such delays.

“Thanks to the partnership and generosity of our state lawmakers, local partners, and the leadership of our Board, the County has been able to generate enough funds to continue design and weather hard times,” said Margi Bradway, Director of Multnomah County Department of Community Services. “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. Partnership is the best way to get major projects like this one done, and together we will continue working on this once-in-a-generation project.”

Multnomah County has secured more local funding for the project than any other in the region, allowing it to proceed through the Design Phase. A diverse team, including architects, engineers, planners, lighting specialists, contractors, and agency partners, will be working to finalize the bridge’s design over the next few years.

“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,” said Jon Henrichsen, Transportation Division Director for Multnomah County.

The County remains grateful for the strong partnerships that have made this project possible. It will continue collaborating with partners and keeping the public informed as more details become available.

Background

‍The Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge Project is vital for the region, as currently, none of Portland’s Willamette River vehicular bridges are expected to be usable following a major earthquake. The project goes beyond bridge construction—it's about ensuring the safety and survival of the community in the face of seismic disasters. Multnomah County is spearheading efforts to replace the existing Burnside Bridge with a seismically resilient structure capable of withstanding a significant Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. This initiative is among Oregon's largest earthquake resilience projects and includes plans to improve transit options, sustainability, and community connectivity.

As Portland and its surrounding areas face the pressing need for infrastructure that can withstand major seismic events, the Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge Project is expected to serve as a model for future public safety projects in the region. The new bridge will incorporate cutting-edge seismic-resistant design features and materials, ensuring that it remains operational even in the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake. The project not only promises to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities but will also serve as a crucial part of the broader strategy to make Portland’s infrastructure more resilient in the face of natural disasters.

Multnomah County has also committed to using sustainable construction practices in the project, with a focus on reducing the environmental impact during both the building process and in the long-term operation of the new bridge. The project aligns with the County’s broader goals of building more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive transportation networks that can support the needs of the growing population for years to come.

The extension of the Design Phase also allows for greater community involvement in the planning process, with ongoing public outreach and engagement to ensure the new bridge serves all sectors of the community effectively, providing both reliable transportation and long-term economic benefits.

For additional information on the Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge Project, visit: Multnomah County Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge.

Originally reported by Multnomah County.