New Farewell Bend Bridge to be lifted into place

A significant milestone is occurring next week at the Farewell Bend Bridge over the Deschutes River, when the new bridge sections will be hoisted into place by crane after the remaining bridge center is removed.

The Deschutes River will be closed to river users at the bridge — both upstream and downstream access – beginning Thursday, July 21. The closure will remain in effect until the new bridge is set in place. The duration is likely to be two to three days.

During the river closure, river users will not be able to get around the bridge, and must exit the river. Temporary signs will be on site at Farewell Bend Park.

A crane will be used to remove the remaining bridge section on July 21, ahead of the delivery of the new pedestrian bridge on July 22. The new bridge will arrive in four sections and will be assembled on both sides of the river. Built of pre-fabricated steel, the new bridge will be 160 feet long and 12 feet wide.

Deschutes Construction anticipates the new bridge will be set into place across the river on Friday, July 22, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The crane will place each half section in place and it will be secured in the middle.

The river trail on the west side of the river will be closed intermittently depending on crane operations between July 21 and July 23.

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.

The new bridge will be completed in August. Until open, all bridge traffic is detoured to the Bill Healy, Columbia Street and Old Mill bridges.

For project maps, schedules and updates, visit the project webpage.