Governor Awaits Oregon Bridge Safety Report

Governor expects report on status of bridge inspection by end of next week.

The Columbia River (Astoria) Bridge, also known as the Astoria-Megler Bridge is just over four miles long (21,474 feet), and is the longest bridge in Oregon.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has directed the Oregon Department of Transportation to expedite inspections of all of Oregon’s steel deck truss bridges, which is the kind of bridge that collapsed in Minneapolis on Wednesday, August 1st. At the Governor’s direction, ODOT has begun inspecting components of Oregon’s 28 steel deck truss bridges, including the main load carrying members and any elements prone to fatigue cracking.

ODOT has an effective bridge inspection program that exceeds national standards in some areas, and the Federal Highway Administration conducts an annual review of ODOT’s bridge inspection program to ensure it is in compliance with all national standards. “Oregon has been ahead of the curve nationally, investing millions of dollars in the maintenance and repair of hundreds of bridges across the state over the last four years,” the Governor said. “While Oregon has been aggressive in making our bridges safe, we must ensure that the tragedy in Minneapolis does not happen here, which is why I have asked the Oregon Department of Transportation to expedite their inspections of similar bridges and identify any areas of improvement so we can develop a plan to address those areas immediately.” The Governor said that he expects a status report on ODOT’s inspection by the end of next week. In 2003, the Governor and legislature enacted the Oregon Transportation Investment Act III (OTIA III), a $3 billion statewide transportation package, which included the State Bridge Delivery Program to repair or replace hundreds of bridges, pave and maintain city and county roads, improve and expand interchanges, add new capacity to Oregon's highway system, and remove freight bottlenecks. In 2005 and 2007, the Governor and legislature enacted ConnectOregon I and II, investing $200 million total in non-highway transportation projects across the state. The Governor has also announced that he is working with the business community, legislature and local governments to develop a comprehensive statewide transportation plan for the 2009 legislative session. “A strong transportation infrastructure is not only critical to the safety of our citizens, but it is essential to growing and maintaining a stable and strong economy,” the Governor said. “Oregon has been a leader in the area of transportation and I am committed to building on the progress we’ve made over the last four years so we have a long-term plan that meets the safety and economic needs of our communities and citizens for decades to come.”

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