Commission confirms intention to fund Center Street Bridge Phase 2 and seek bonding authority when needed

The commission voted to confirm that ODOT will move forward with Phase 2 of the Center Street Bridge seismic retrofit and will seek legislative bonding authority when funding is required. Region 2 staff briefed commissioners on Phase 1 (main street and east ramps) construction and Phase 2 (west end ramps reconstruction) timing: advanced investigations in 2026, formal design starting in 2028, and potential bid opening for construction in 2032–2033 with construction in 2033–2036. Staff noted the program’s finance plan and requested the commission’s confirmation that Phase 2 will be funded when needed.