Project Name: Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge

Project Owner: Multnomah County

Project Team Presenters: 

• Mike Pullen, Multnomah County

• Steve Drahota, HDR

What is being planned for an earthquake-ready Burnside Bridge?

Experts say there is a one in three chance of a magnitude 8 or greater earthquake occurring in our region within the lifetime of most Oregon residents. Located in the heart of downtown and on a designated regional lifeline route, a resilient Burnside Bridge will play a critical role in emergency response, rescue and economic recovery following a major earthquake.

In late spring 2021, recognizing rising costs due to current economic conditions and competition for funds from other large projects in the region, County leaders asked the project team to analyze ways to reduce cost so the project is more likely to be funded and built. After further cost, environmental and permitting analysis, and input from stakeholders, the project team identified three key refinements to the initial Long Span Preferred Alternative for the community to consider.

Join project team members to learn and share feedback about the proposed cost saving measures for the Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge.