Project Background
Beginning in January 2016, PBOT crews worked to stabilize the bridge site to limit the risk of further deterioration. In March of 2016, a committee of the Oregon Department of Transportation and local agencies allocated $3.15 million in Federal Highway Bridge Funds for replacement of the 122nd Avenue Bridge. The federal funds required a local match of approximately $350,000, which PBOT provided using general transportation revenue, which is mainly funded by parking revenue and the City’s share of state gas tax.
Local access was maintained south of SE Foster Road and North of SE Flavel for residents and businesses. Access to the Leach Botanical Garden, a major destination in the area that is located next to the bridge, was also maintained.
“Spring begins our busy season at Leach Botanical Garden, with weddings and events as well as casual visitors coming to enjoy the peace and beauty,” said David Porter, executive director of Leach Garden Friends, a nonprofit that operates the garden for Portland Parks & Recreation. “We want people to know that our parking lot is open as normal and can be reached from the south via Flavel Street.”
The garden’s parking lot provides 32 spaces for visitors and is available south of the bridge. Visitors can walk across the bridge to reach the garden’s main entrance, just north of the bridge. A map with directions to the garden and the parking lot is available at the garden’s website.