NE 42nd Avenue Bridge Replacement (over Lombard Street)

Transportation

Engineering And Design

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is constructing a new earthquake-ready bridge to provide better access for freight, pedestrians, and people biking. Bridge will fill the gap between the Holman Neighborhood Greenway and the NE 47th Avenue protected bikeway.

Construction in summer of 2025

What’s happening now and what to expect in the next two years?

PBOT’s contractor, Cascade Bridge, began construction on August 11 with a full bridge closure that will remain in place for approximately two years.

The team is currently focused on site preparation and utility installation. Once this work is complete, the contractor will proceed with bridge demolition, which will take place during a weekend closure. PBOT will share details and detour information with the public as soon as the demolition schedule is confirmed.

In addition, three more weekend closures will be required for the erection of the bridge superstructure. PBOT will provide advance notice for each closure, along with detour routes. Stay tuned for updates.

42nd Ave Bridge & Corridor - elevation drawing — Rendering of the replacement bridge on NE 42nd Avenue, pictured here in a cross-section over Lombard Street and the railroad.

Background

The current bridge over NE Lombard Street is on a recommended Emergency Transportation Route but is vulnerable to earthquakes. Freight uses the bridge as a connection between NE Lombard Street and Columbia Boulevard, but the current bridge's height and weight restrictions limit freight transportation. In addition, the current bridge does not have enough room for pedestrians and people biking. This new connection would fill the gap between the Holman Neighborhood Greenway and the protected bikeway on NE 47th Avenue. When it's complete, the bridge will provide better access for freight, pedestrians, and people biking. 

The new bridge approaching from the north: a 6-foot wide buffered bike lane to the left, a 13-foot wide traffic lane in each direction, and a 10-foot wide multiuse path to the right.

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The new bridge will have a cross-section of 7-foot wide elevated bike lane on the left, 13-foot wide traffic lane in both directions, and a 10-foot wide multiuse path on the right side of the bridge.

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The new bridge approaching from the south: a 7-foot wide bike lane to the left, with a 3-foot buffer, a 13-foot wide traffic lane in each direction, and a 12-foot wide multiuse path to the right.