Storm Damage Will Close Bridge for Three Years

The 122nd Avenue Bridge, which spans Johnson Creek in East Portland will have to be replaced - a process that will take three years.

That was the word Wednesday from the Portland Bureau of Transportation, which obtained $2.8 million in funding for a replacement to be built.

The bride was badly damaged during the winter storms that brought heavy rains to the area.

Cars are banned immediately until the new bridge is built, which is expected sometime in 2019.

Bicycles and pedestrians, for now, will continue to be allowed on the sidewalk.

“Public safety is our top priority and in this case to keep the public safe we need to limit access to the bridge until it can be replaced,” Portland Transportation Director Leah Treat said. “We understand a closure of this magnitude will be an inconvenience for the traveling public, and we will work to minimize the inconvenience in the coming weeks and during the construction period. We have made this decision after carefully considering the need for public safety. We’re thankful for funding recently approved by the state.”

PBOT says that people should use alternative routes to get between Southeast Foster Road and Flavel Street.

There will be an open house hosted by PBOT on April 28 at the Manor House at Leach Botanical Gardens at 6704 SE 122nd Avenue.