Beaver State News

Oregon's bridge infrastructure, especially those from the Interstate Era, is facing significant challenges due to aging and financial constraints. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) released its 2024 Bridge Conditions Report, highlighting concerns about bridges built between 1958 and 1973. These structures are now between 50 and 65 years old.

Kris Strickler, ODOT Director, emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues: "Much of our transportation infrastructure is aging and nowhere is this more apparent than with Oregon’s bridges and pavements." He added that replacing these bridges is costly and current funding only allows for an average of three replacements per year. At this rate, some bridges may need to remain in service for over 900 years.

ODOT inspects state highway bridges every two years using National Bridge Inventory data to assess conditions. Despite regular maintenance keeping many bridges in fair condition, ongoing repairs on aging structures become increasingly impractical. Approximately 60% of state-owned bridges were built before 1973.

The report states there are over 2,700 state highway bridges in Oregon requiring maintenance or replacement as resources fall short of needs. Preservation activities include lubricating bearings, sealing concrete joints, painting steel components, and performing preventive maintenance to delay costly reconstructions.

ODOT's Seismic Program continues to enhance bridge resilience along critical routes with several projects under construction or recently completed. Notable retrofits include work on U.S. Route 97 / OR Highway 58 and various seismic improvements funded by HB 2017 across Southern Oregon.

Further seismic retrofit projects are underway statewide on priority routes such as the Abernethy Bridge near Oregon City and the Van Buren Bridge in Corvallis.

To learn more about the status of Oregon’s bridge infrastructure, individuals can refer to ODOT's comprehensive report available online.