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ODOT says SalemCenter Street retrofit needs up to $98M more for Phase 1; Commission asks for November update
Summary
ODOT staff reported Phase 1 (main span and east approach) of the Center Street (Salem) seismic retrofit will cost $130–$200M (2028 dollars) and identified a potential $98M shortfall; commissioners directed staff to return in November with funding options and legislative coordination.
ODOT staff told the Commission that the Center Street bridge retrofit program has been re‑scoped into two phases after advanced investigation found significant soils and liquefaction issues at the west end. Savannah Crawford (Region 2 Manager) said Phase 1—retrofitting the main span and east approaches—has a current cost range of $130–$200 million (in 2028 dollars). ODOT confirmed $100 million in HB 20 17 bridge seismic funds are available, leaving a potential Phase 1 funding gap of up to $98 million.
Tova Peltz explained seismic design criteria: ODOT designed Phase 1 to meet the operational criteria (keep the bridge usable after a Cascadia subduction event), consistent with AASHTO 2020 guidance at the 30% design milestone. Adopting the newer 2024 life‑safety criteria would add roughly three years to the schedule and $50–$100 million to Phase 1. Commissioners stressed the need for legislative involvement, a list of trade‑offs and clearer funding options. Staff proposed returning to the Commission on November 13 with a STIP amendment and a more complete financial plan; commissioners agreed.
Why it matters: The Center Street bridge is a seismic‑resiliency project that the legislature authorized in HB 20 17. Staff wants November direction on whether to program additional funds now to meet an aggressive in‑water construction window in 2026, or to delay for more funding and risk higher inflation and schedule impacts.
