ODOT outlines 2017 Mosier Creek Bridge preservation plan; pedestrian lane possible

Brad DeHart, ODOT District 9 engineer, told the Mosier City Council on April 20 that the Mosier Creek Bridge preservation project is scheduled for 2017 and will generally keep one vehicle lane open during work, with only a few hours of full closure needed to strip asphalt.

DeHart said ODOT will conduct a maximum-load study during preservation work; if load limits change, the bridge could be reduced to a single vehicle lane and a dedicated pedestrian lane added to improve safe access for children walking or biking to school. Councilor Derek Hiser had raised pedestrian safety as a primary concern.

DeHart explained that city-owned utilities attached to the bridge will need to be detached and reattached and that normally those costs fall to the utility owner. He suggested the contractor might be able to work around the utilities to avoid city expense and said ODOT could construct new pipe access beneath the bridge to allow the city to relocate pipes when it replaces them.

City Manager Kathy Fitzpatrick had prepared a staff report included in the agenda packet describing the age and condition of the pipes (noted as 42 years old in the packet). DeHart said ODOT will run a comprehensive communications program and hold a public meeting at the Discovery Center before work begins to address questions and concerns.

The presentation did not include a council vote. ODOT will return details of the load study, the public meeting schedule, and information about potential utility costs and relocation options as the project progresses.