Two weeks ago, the Clackamas County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee was briefed by ODOT on the impending rehabilitation of the Oregon City Bridge, scheduled for late this year. Until then, it seemed that the bridge 
would be closed for two years to auto traffic, but that people would still be able to walk or bike across it (much as bike and pedestrian traffic was maintained over the Burnside Bridge during its 2008 closure). Now ODOT does not think they can accommodate that traffic at all, and will be asking people to take the bus over the I-205 bridge instead (bicycling and walking is not allowed on I-205 shoulders).
As residents, workers and business owners in West Linn and Oregon City hear the news, they are expressing their concerns about what this will mean for their travel options. The BTA is working with ODOT and local stakeholders to establish a construction plan that does not shut down the only non-motorized connection between the Sellwood Bridge and the Canby Ferry for two long years.
If you’re concerned about this, or have ideas about how to keep the two sides of the river connected during the two-year construction, leave your comments here or contact me at michelle[at]bta4bikes[dot]org.
You can also attend the second of two Open Houses next week to learn more and speak with project staff:
West Linn Open House
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
4:00 – 7:00 pm
West Linn Library
1595 Burns Street, West Linn
