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Work begins to replace Griffin Creek bridge CENTRAL POINT - Work began Friday to replace the Scenic Avenue box culvert over Griffin Creek with a bigger bridge. The $550,000 project has been a high priority for the city since the New Year's Day 1997 flood. The existing 30-year-old structure, made up of two 12-foot box culverts, will be replaced by a 28-foot span with a 12-foot vertical clearance and natural floor, explained technician Mike Ono. During removal of the old structure, traffic detours may cause some congestion, said Ono, but delays are not anticipated. Traffic west of the bridge will be detoured onto Highway 99 and traffic from the east will use Maple and 10th Street. The new bridge will provide better flood prevention and fish passage, Ono said. "The old one can barely handle a 10-year flood, and we have those every 10 years," he said. "The new one will be up to standard to handle another 100-year flood." During the flood of '97, neighborhoods along Griffin Creek between Crater High and Scenic Avenue were badly flooded. With the old structure, "if we even get medium-high waters, there's a threat to the people there," said public works director Bob Pierce. "This was something that badly needed to get done but the city couldn't afford it without a grant." Pierce said funding for the project became possible at the last minute when $342,000 in flood mitigation money was returned to the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department when another agency was unable to use the funds in time. Though in-stream work is usually prohibited after Sept. 15, an extension was granted by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife until the end of October because of the benefit it will have on fish passage. "This is pretty important for them and for us. It will be improving flows for flood protection and improving fish passage," said Pierce. Cost of the new bridge is estimated at $243,000. Construction was awarded to Pacific Pipeline of Central Point. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.