Community Open House on Arch Bridge Closure

The date is set for the closure of the bridge for the major rehabilitation to start. On Saturday, January 15 at 6 a.m., the bridge will close to all traffic including pedestrians and bicyclists for up to 24 months. Detour Route for Motorists Signs are being placed on Interstate 205 and other area roads directing motorists to use the I-205 Abernethy Bridge to cross the Willamette River between West Linn and Oregon City. It is less than 1 mile from the Arch Bridge. Access to all businesses in downtown Oregon City will be open throughout the project. Signs will direct motorists to business access points from McLoughlin Boulevard. (OR 99E). Community Open Houses You are invited to attend an open house to hear the latest information on the Arch Bridge project, talk with project staff and get your questions answered. Oregon City: Wed, Jan. 5, from 5-7 p.m. Pioneer Community Center 615 5th Street Drop by anytime. Presentations at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. West Linn: Mon, Jan. 10, from 5-7 p.m. West Linn Public Library 1595 Burns St. Drop by anytime. Presentations at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Special Event The Willamette Falls National Heritage Area Coalition invites citizens to an event on January 15, 2011 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. that will include the unique opportunity to walk the length of the historic arch bridge. More information below. Arch Bridge Shuttle for Pedestrians and Bicyclists The Arch Bridge Shuttle service begins operation on Monday, Jan. 10 prior to the closure. The Bridge Shuttle bus can carry passengers, 4 bicycles and has a lift to accommodate wheelchairs. The Shuttle operates Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. and on weekends from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. The specific schedule is being finalized and will be available in late December on the project web site www.archrehab.com and at Oregon City and West Linn businesses adjacent to the Bridge. Shuttle Stop Locations The Bridge Shuttle serves two stops which will be marked with Bridge Shuttle signs and bus shelters. The West Linn stop is located on Oregon Highway 43 (Willamette Drive) at the old TriMet stop location. It is just northeast of the bridge, where Willamette Falls Drive intersects with Willamette Drive (Hwy 43). In Oregon City, the stop is located on 7th Street between Main Street and Oregon Highway 99E (McLoughlin Boulevard) adjacent to the US Bank parking lot. The Willamette Falls National Heritage Area Coalition invites citizens to an event on January 15, 2011 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. that will include the unique opportunity to walk the length of the historic arch bridge on the day it closes. The event will commemorate the importance of the bridge between communities and the work underway to create a National Heritage Area. Key players in the story of the Falls, including Grand Ronde storytellers and dancers, local artists who draw inspiration from the site, and roving presenters weaving tales of pioneering days, will be highlights of the event. Check out the web site for more information: www.wfheritage.org Please contact me, if: • You have any questions about the project. • You are interested in hosting a presentation by ODOT staff at your neighborhood, workplace or business group meeting. • You or others would like to be added to the email list to receive these updates. Thank you, Susan Hanson Community Affairs Coordinator Oregon Department of Transportation - Region 1 123 NW Flanders | Portland, OR | 97209 503-731-3490 (desk) | 503-706-9814 (cell) | 503-731-3266 (fax) Susan.C.Hanson@odot.state.or.us Visit the ODOT Region 1 Web site: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION1/