PDX Transit

New Bridge To Float Into Place

Monday, 10. 29. 2007  –  Category: Driving

The new Sauvie Island bridge is nearing completion, but one major step has to be completed before cars can drive over it: it has to float eight miles down the Willamette.  Right now the bridge is sitting on a dock at Terminal 2 in Northwest Portland, awaiting the day that it will slowly sail downstream, and glide into place to connect Sauvie Island with its opposite shore.  The operation is known as a "float-in" and constitutes a major engineering feat.  After the installation of the new bridge, the current bridge, historic Parker truss, may get a new lease on life.  Transportation Commissioner Adams is considering a plan to use it as a pedestrian and bicycle span over interstate 405 near Flanders Street.

The current Sauvie Island bridge, historic Parker truss.

Sauvie Island has over 1,000 permanent residents, and over 3,800 cars travel across the current bridge everyday.  The span's replacement will ensure safe travel to and from a popular Portland destination for years to come.  For more information, read the story in the Portland Tribune.

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2. Multnomah County Advisory Committee
3. The Worst Commute in Town