Portland may name new bike, walking bridge for congressman

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Portland Commissioner Chloe Eudaly says she plans to name a new bike and pedestrian-only bridge spanning Interstate 84 after U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports Eudaly, the city’s transportation commissioner, made the announcement Thursday night at the nonprofit Classroom Law Project’s annual dinner where she referred to him as “our bike champion in Congress.”

Blumenauer said later the possibility of the name would be a great honor.

The $13 million bike and pedestrian bridge expected to break ground in August has been known through the design and planning stages as Sullivan’s Crossing. Officials said it’s possible Sullivan’s Crossing remains part of the name.

The bridge will connect the Central Eastside Industrial and Lloyd districts at Seventh Avenue, offering a new connection for pedestrians and cyclists between the close-in Northeast and Southeast neighborhoods.

It’s expected to open by December 2020.