Sept. 15, 2021 Update: PBOT engineers have completed initial investigations of the bridge condition. They are now at work designing a temporary steel bracing to support the structure during repairs. The temporary bracing will keep the bridge standing as portions of the damaged concrete crossbeam are removed and replaced. We hope to have the temporary bracing design complete by the end of September and will then work to get it procured, fabricated and installed. Portlanders should expect the portions of the bridge currently closed to remain so for at least another 6 months. We appreciate your patience with these repairs and detours.
(Aug. 25, 2021) Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) crews expect to complete further investigations and preliminary analysis of the bridge structure next week. This work will help us better understand the extent of the damage and allow us to begin design of a temporary bridge support. Detour signage is being installed and will route impacted travelers to the 42nd Avenue bridge over NE Lombard Street.
(Aug. 24, 2021) The NE 33rd Avenue Bridge over NE Lombard Street will require a partial closure after engineers with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) observed damage to the concrete in one of the bridge’s cross beams.
PBOT crews are closing the northbound NE 33rd Avenue to eastbound NE Columbia Boulevard ramp and all NE Columbia Boulevard ramps to southbound NE 33rd Avenue to all motor vehicles. All lanes will remain open to pedestrians and people on bikes.
People driving motor vehicles will only be able to cross the NE 33rd Avenue Bridge northbound to continue through to NE 33rd Drive or westbound to NE Columbia Boulevard. People riding TriMet’s Line 70 bus should visit https://trimet.org/#alerts/ for service impacts. A detour route for motor vehicles is currently being planned and will be implemented tomorrow, Aug. 25. Additional closures or changes to traffic routes may be required and PBOT will share information with the public as it becomes available.
The bridge is 92 years old. The typical bridge design life for bridges of this vintage is approximately 50 years. At this time, the reason for the damage to the bridge is unclear. PBOT engineers and structures crews will continue to assess the damage and work to provide a solution. The bureau appreciates the patience of travelers as we make these necessary closures to support public safety.