THE GORGE — The Port of Hood River held an emergency meeting on Sunday, June 30 with engineers and port commissioners to discuss reopening the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge. After a presentations from Henningson, Durham and Richardson (HDR) vice president, Justin Doorninik, and Kiewit representative, John Brestin, port commissioners voted to reopen the bridge with certain conditions.
Assessments from HDR concluded that vehicular traffic may be allowed to use the bridge provided they are under load requirements that will be set by the port. Port of Hood River Executive Director Kevin Greenwood said he anticipates the bridge reopening later today.
“Staff is recommending that we open the bridge as soon as we are able to obtain 24/7 monitoring for truck traffic or at the entry points onto the bridge,” Greenwood said.
The port is looking into private security companies to monitor both entry points of the bridge. Greenwood explained that until they can contract with professional security services, public works or security staff will be monitoring the approach spans. He said they will not be permitted to approach the trucks, but instead photograph the license plate and be in communication with law enforcement. Those who do not follow the requirements will be subjected to fines.
Greenwood also recommended a motion be made to delegate emergency contract approvals to the executive director so they can “make these contracts, sign these contracts, and get them implemented as quickly as possible.” The motion caps the executive director’s emergency spending at $1 million.
According to Brestin, an engineering analysis was completed Sunday morning and upon receiving preliminary drawings back from HDR, they are ready to order the materials necessary for repairs. Brestin said they plan to begin construction on July 8 with most of the work being done during the night.
“We will give more updates on the schedule but we expect it to be completed in about a week,” Brestin said.
Assessments concluded that the lift span shall remain in place until repairs be completed. Temporary restrictions will allow marine traffic under the bridge provided the port can determine there is sufficient clearance without raising the lift span.
The port issued a statement on their website and confirmed “the bridge is expected to reopen for the use of passenger vehicles only by 2 p.m. on June 30, 2024. Electronic tolling will be implemented, and traffic control personnel will be stationed at both entrances around the clock to ensure compliance. A schedule for the permanent repairs will be provided later in the week.”
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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