What’s happening now?
Bids opened in early November of 2023 but the bids came higher than the engineer's estimate. PBOT is doing a value engineering and looking for additional funds to rebid the project. Funding was received and rebidding will probably start in May of 2024.
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 an upcoming protected bikeway on NE 47th Avenue protected bikeway. When it's complete, the bridge will provide better access for freight, pedestrians, and people biking.
Rendering A shows how the new bridge will look approaching from the north: a 6-foot wide bike lane to the left, a 12-foot wide traffic lane in each direction, and a 10-foot wide multiuse path to the right.
Rendering B show a cross-section of the bridge itself, with a12-foot wide traffic lane in both directions, and a 10-foot wide multiuse path on both sides of the bridge.
Rendering C shows how the new bridge will look approaching it from the south: a 6-foot wide bike lane to the left, with a 3-foot buffer, a 12-foot wide traffic lane in each direction, and a 12-foot wide multiuse path to the right.
Funding
$17 million