The Sellwood Bridge project is a planning effort led by Multnomah County with its agency partners to develop a long-term solution for this 85-year old Willamette River crossing in Portland. A preferred alternative to replace the bridge was approved at the local level in 2009. Federal approval of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS) is expected later this year. The project is currently in the preliminary screening phase, which is a public process that will determine the type of bridge structure to be built.

• The preferred alternative is a new two-lane bridge with two sidewalks, two shoulders/bike lanes and a traffic signal at the west end connection with Highway 43.
• A new Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is meeting through the spring and summer to develop a recommendation about the type of replacement bridge to be built.
• The new bridge will be constructed in a manner that will allow the bridge to remain open to traffic at most times.
• Design work on the new bridge and acquisition of land will begin after federal approval of the plan is received later this year.
• The total project cost is estimated to be $330 million.
• There is a regional funding plan to secure funds so construction can begin as expected in late 2012.

Schedule

• Approve Preferred Alternative (February/March 2009)
• Refine Preferred Alternative to meet regulations (Spring/Summer 2009)
• Prepare Final Environmental Impact Statement (Fall 2009 -- Spring 2010)

Next Steps
* Note: Schedule depends on funding

• Project Check-in Event (July 21, 2010)
• Federal Highway Administration’s Record of Decision (Summer/Fall 2010)
• Purchase Right of Way (2010 – 2011)
• Preliminary Engineering (2010)
• Final Design (2011-2013)
• Construction (2012 –2016)