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ODOT outlines phased retrofit, traffic impacts and emergency-access plan for Center Street Bridge
Summary
ODOT presented a two‑phase seismic retrofit for the Center Street Bridge in Salem, with phase 1 focused on east-side/river spans and a phase 2 replacement likely for west-side ramps because of liquefiable soils; officials described schedules, estimated costs, construction impacts and emergency-response procedures for Polk County commissioners.
SALEM — Oregon Department of Transportation officials on Aug. 6 told the Polk County Board of Commissioners they have split the Center Street Bridge seismic project into two phases, will begin construction bidding next year and expect work to run through 2029–2030, while continuing design for the more complex west‑side replacement.
Andrew Walker, project manager for the Center Street Bridge project, said the split reflects different subsurface conditions: phase 1 will address the east side and river spans with traditional seismic retrofits, while the west‑side transition sits on liquefiable soils that likely require full replacement of one or more ramps. "We opted to split it into 2 phases," Walker said, and on the west bank "we have to completely replace this in order to make it seismically adequate." He added the design for phase 2 is not complete.
Why it matters: the bridge carries vehicle traffic and a critical water transmission line to West Salem. ODOT and the City of Salem plan to upgrade a…
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