Morrison Bridge To Close For Two Weeks Beginning July 21

PORTLAND, OR — Beginning Friday, July 21, the Morrison Bridge in Portland will be closed to all traffic for an estimated two weeks while county crews pour a concrete deck on the east leaf of the lift span, according to county spokesman Mike Pullen.

The project will ultimately provide better traction on the bridge, Pullen said in a statement, adding that the bridge needs to be closed so the vibrations from passing vehicles don't disrupt the concrete curing process. The closure will also apply to all motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic as well, Pullen said.

Travel on the Morrison Bridge is currently limited to one lane in each direction; after travel on the bridge is cutoff completely July 21 commuters will need plan their trips accordingly, taking into account the increase in traffic on all other nearby roads and bridges, Pullen said.

Travel impacts and detour options include:

• Alternate river crossings for all modes include the Hawthorne and Burnside bridges;
• Ramps between the Morrison Bridge and Interstate 5 and Interstate 84 will be closed, except for the ramp from the Morrison Bridge westbound to I-5 north;
• Motorists can access I-84 eastbound at Northeast Grand Avenue and Northeast Everett Street;
• I-5 north can be accessed from the west side via I-405 north (Fremont Bridge). Eastside access is from the ramp at Northeast Broadway and North Willams Avenue;
• To access downtown from I-5 south or I-84 west, I-5 south drivers can exit at the Rose Quarter/Broadway Bridge and I-84 westbound drivers can exit at Rose Quarter/Weidler exits; and
• I-5 south traffic can access the onramp to Highway 99E/U.S. 26.

While much of the work on Morrison Bridge will be completed during this late-July two-week closure, contractor Hamilton Construction will need an additional closure in September when concrete will be poured on the west leaf deck, Pullen said.

All construction should be complete by October, Pullen said.

For more information, visit www.multco.us/bridges or follow @MultcoBridgeson Twitter.

Photo Courtesy: Multnomah County