Aging Farewell Bend footbridge to be replaced
This spring and summer, the Bend Park & Recreation District will be replacing the aging pedestrian bridge over the Deschutes River between Farewell Bend and Riverbend parks.
The public is invited to learn more about the project at a community open house on Friday, April 1 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the park district office, 799 SW Columbia Street.
During construction, temporary bridge and trail closures and detours will be in place. The current bridge should be removed in April or May, and construction staging will occur on both sides of the river.
Until the new bridge is completed in August, all bridge traffic will be detoured to the Bill Healy, Columbia Street and the Old Mill bridges.
Intermittent closures of the river, approximately 100 feet upstream and downstream of the bridge, will occur during demolition of the old bridge and installation of the new bridge.
For project maps, schedules and updates, visit the District website at www.bendparksandrec.org.
Originally built by the area’s lumber mills, the current bridge has exceeded its lifespan and is in poor condition with failing support structures and decking.
“Taking care of existing park and trail assets is a high priority of the community,” said Jim Figurski, the park district’s landscape architect.
“As this bridge is a key link in the trail system and a popular crossing of the Deschutes River, it has been prioritized by the district’s Board of Directors to be replaced this year,” Figurski said.
Anticipated to be under construction in July and August, the new bridge will be 160 feet long and 12 feet wide and made of weathering steel. The bridge will be built off-site and is likely to be delivered in three sections.
Once it is on-site at Riverbend Park, the bridge will be assembled and then hoisted into position by a large crane. Additionally, the trail approaches to the new bridge on both sides of the river will be lowered making the bridge more accessible.
The public is not allowed in the construction zone, but for those interested in viewing the bridge removal and installation, the best vantage point will be from the Farewell Bend Park boardwalk just downstream of the bridge location.
BPRD appreciates the community’s patience during construction. Questions regarding the bridge project should be directed to Jim Figurski, BPRD Landscape Architect, at (541) 706-6152 or jim@bendparksandrec.org.
