Pile-driving set next week for Farewell Bend footbridge project

Bend Park & Recreation District is notifying the community about upcoming pile driving next week as part of the new Farewell Bend pedestrian bridge construction in the Old Mill District.

The driving will begin on Monday, officials said, and it is anticipated that all piles, consisting of six steel H-beams each, will be driven by next Thursday.

Driven with a diesel hammer attached to a crane, the piles must be driven a minimum of 54 feet into the ground, or to “full refusal,” as witnessed by the project’s geotechnical engineer, the park district said.

“During this work, there will be an amount of loud noise resonating in the area and even possibly vibrating windows at times,” the announcement said.

“It’s a familiar, loud ‘gong’ sound,” said Brian Hudspeth, park district development manager. “The number of blows from the hammer is dependent on the type of ground. The blows typically start out fast with less noise and then get more intense and more rapid.”

Temporary bridge and trail closures and detours remain in place. Until the new bridge is completed in August, all bridge traffic is detoured to the Bill Healy, Columbia Street and 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 park district website at www.bendparksandrec.org.

The park district said it “appreciates the community’s patience during construction.”

Questions regarding the bridge construction should be directed to Brian Hudspeth, BPRD Development Manager, at (541) 706-6137 or brian@bendparksandrec.org.