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ODOT briefs council on Center Street Bridge seismic retrofit; Phase 1 focuses on pier and east-side work, Phase 2 to follow
Summary
ODOT and consultants presented a phased seismic retrofit for the Center Street Bridge on Feb. 24, with Phase 1 planned to reinforce in-river piers and east-side footings and Phase 2 to address the west approaches after funding is secured.
ODOT staff and their consultants briefed the Salem City Council on Feb. 24 about a phased plan to improve seismic resilience of the Center Street Bridge.
Anna Henson, ODOT area manager, and Dowell/OBEC consultants said Phase 1 will strengthen in-river piers, enlarge and anchor east-side footings, and create working platforms in the Willamette River to support pier repairs. The city and ODOT have coordinated extensively on the design; the project team is preparing environmental documentation required under NEPA, seeking railroad and other permits, and advancing design toward a 2026 construction start for Phase 1.
Public Works Director Brian Martin and city staff told council the project also presents a chance to upgrade the water transmission across the river. The waterline work included in the Phase 1 design would be a city expense; staff have budgeted roughly $7 million in the capital program to replace and seismically brace the crossing that will be attached to (or hang from) the bridge structure rather than routed under the river. ODOT representatives said most bridge construction costs are state funds that are federalized; current high-level estimates for total project cost increased during design and range in the low hundreds of millions, with ODOT budgeting for the first phase and continuing to pursue funds for later phases.
Consultants described anticipated construction impacts: temporary river work platforms, periodic nighttime full closures (2—4 nights anticipated), multi-week lane closures and temporary parking and park impacts near Riverfront and Wallace Marine parks. ODOT said it will purchase and restore affected park trees, add temporary parking and coordinate outreach and event accommodations. The project team plans neighborhood canvassing, bilingual flyers, online open houses and tabling events during the public comment period. Council members requested ongoing outreach, special notification for regional travelers and coordination with emergency services and neighborhood associations.
ODOT said Phase 2 will study and design replacement options for the west approaches so the corridor can be fully seismically resilient; that later work will require additional funding and follow-up permitting.
