Shuttle service to replace bridge

By Kara Hansen

The West Linn Tidings, Nov 5, 2009

FILE PHOTO

The West Linn-Oregon City Bridge will close for two years in January for maintenance repairs. Shuttle service will be available to bicyclists and pedestrians who relied on the bridge.

When the Arch Bridge between West Linn and Oregon City closes for two years this January, bicyclists and pedestrians who rely on the cross-river connection will be shuttled by vehicle over the Willamette.

Shuttle service emerged as the top option during a study of ways to accommodate foot and bike traffic when the bridge closes for repairs, Oregon Department of Transportation Region 1 Manager Jason Tell announced last week.

Keeping a path open on the bridge during construction was another top choice, but carried higher estimated expenses and a longer projected closure period, according to the transportation department.

Other options ranged from temporary bridges and other water crossings to a potential bike route on the nearby Interstate 205 Abernethy Bridge.

Recommendations came from an ODOT work group that evaluated ideas based on communities’ best interests, cost, probability of extending closure time and the quality of alternative connections.

Details have yet to be worked out, but the work group requested that transportation officials also consider suggestions such as intensified shuttle service during commuting hours, additional stop locations and routes coordinated with TriMet bus services.

The Federal Highway Administration recently re-evaluated the project and upheld its earlier approval of state efforts to mitigate potential consequences of the lengthy bridge closure.

Those include waiting to begin construction until after the holiday season and using signage to inform motorists that area businesses are open during construction, in addition to the new shuttle service option.

The state agency is now awaiting a federal review of the project’s technical aspects and construction schedule, expected later this month.

Facebook	Digg	Del.icio.us
Newsvine	Stumbleupon	Reddit