Closer, closer, closer… the Sellwood Bridge is edging ever closer to completion. The biggest thing lately was the removal of the steel structure of the old bridge. The Bridge Project attempted to find someone to use the old bridge as an intact structure; possibly as a span across a much shorter distance. No takers. Instead, this being Portland, the old steel will be recycled at Schnitzer Steel. The old bridge will be cut into four sections, each about 250’ long, and lowered onto barges for the trip upriver. As of this writing the East and West sections are gone, leaving the two spans in the center of the river to go. Here’s some pictures of the removal, along with much more detailed information from local news sources.
So long, Sellwood Bridge: Old span to be taken down, recycled from KATU
Sellwood Bridge demolition begins (Photos) from the Oregonian
Workers taking down old Sellwood Bridge from KGW
Final situation before the first steel segment starts coming down.
Photographers for the demolition had a field day with the geese on the boat ramp.
Closer view of the lowering equipment
Workers pull to the dock after the East section is removed.
The East end of the Bridge emerges from its chrysalis
Steel section being lowered onto barge
First section on its way to recycling upriver
Carrying out the recycling
As always, Multnomah County maintains the definitive website on everything related to the Sellwood Bridge Replacement project, www.sellwoodbridge.org. Construction and closure alerts, archived information, and other resources are all available 24/7 for your convenience. If you’re looking for something that’s not on the website, you can contact Mike Pullen (mike.j.pullen@multco.us, 503-209-4111) or visit www.sellwoodbridge.org
