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Work on historic bridge to begin By BUFFY POLLOCK ROGUE RIVER � Engineering crews will conduct pile driving tests this week along the north bank of the river in the first phase of a project to replace the historic Depot Street Bridge. Built in 1951, the steel truss bridge is nearing the end of its capacity to handle increasing traffic volumes or the stress of severe flooding, said John Morrison, community development manager for the Rogue Valley Council of Governments. "It needs to be replaced because, although right now it�s safe, it�s at the end of its structural life," he said. "It would cost more to bring the bridge up to current standards than to replace it with a new structure." Morrison said the project�s goal was to come up with "an attractive design, within budget, that can withstand the flood conditions that can happen at that site." The 50-year-old, county-owned structure is eligible for replacement under the federal Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation program, Morrison said. Replacement of the 434-foot span is expected to cost between $13 million and $14 million, depending on which design style is chosen. Designs being considered include an arch-style bridge, a box girder bridge (flat and concrete) and a truss-style bridge similar to the original. An arch-style design is most popular among local residents, Morrison said. "It�s very important to build an attractive bridge. The one there now has been a landmark for the community, and the arch style certainly would offer that as well and is very much within construction and cost parameters," he said. Design work will continue through 2002, with construction expected to begin the following year. The new bridge won�t be in place until 2006, Morrison said. "To build a bridge like this, you have to build a temporary bridge for construction purposes," he said. "And, since you won�t be able to shut down the bridge like this for any period of time, another bridge will have to be built to handle traffic during construction. "So we�re actually talking about building three bridges to remove the old one. It certainly won�t be done in a day," Morrison said. Eighty percent of the funding will be provided through HBRR; the state and county are each responsible for 10 percent. Once construction begins, which will take place weekdays from 8 a.m. to about 8 p.m., street closures are not expected but access to Coyote Evans Wayside and boat ramp may be limited at times. For more information about the bridge or upcoming public meetings on the project, contact Morrison at 664-6676. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.