Design Style Selected For New Burnside Bridge
On September 12, 2024, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the inverted Y design for the new Burnside Bridge, marking a pivotal moment in the Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge Project. This decision concludes a comprehensive public and advisory process that began in 2016. The chosen inverted Y design features a distinctive triangular cable stay tower and will provide an expansive 17-foot bike and pedestrian space, the largest among downtown Portland’s bridges. This design aims to enhance accessibility and serve as a prominent gateway into downtown Portland while addressing critical earthquake resilience needs.
The decision followed extensive community engagement and expert consultation. The project, which aims to replace the current Burnside Bridge with one capable of withstanding a major earthquake, involved a detailed evaluation of six bridge design options. The Community Design Advisory Group and public input played crucial roles in shaping this outcome, emphasizing the importance of public involvement in infrastructure planning. The next steps involve advancing to a 30% design milestone, with ongoing efforts to ensure the bridge’s safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. The new Burnside Bridge is poised to become a vital link between Portland’s east and west sides, reinforcing the city’s infrastructure against future seismic events.
