The new Sellwood Bridge replaced the original bridge built in 1925, addressing deficiency concerns including structural wear and tear, narrow lanes and sidewalks, no shoulders or bike lanes, outdated construction engineering and the potential for hazardous seismic conditions. The new bridge is a steel deck arch design, with three arches supporting the deck of the main river spans. It is designed to remain standing through an earthquake that is equal to the largest felt in Portland in the last 1,000 years, and to require only moderate repairs after a smaller event. Measuring 1,976 feet in length, including the main river spans and the east and west approaches, the three main river spans are 1,275 feet long. The new steel deck arch span is widely supported within the community, fitting well with the scale and context of its surroundings. The bridge includes recycled steel and arches made of weathering steel that will does not require paint. The final design footprint was reduced significantly from early concepts, reducing the overall cost, materials required, and environmental disturbances including stormwater runoff and aquatic and riparian impacts.
In collaboration with T.Y. Lin International
