Bridge design, engineering contract approved

Bridge replacement, including design, construction and demolition of the old structure, is projected to cost $1.12 billion based on current timelines. Assurance of federal funding is paramount: A $200 million infrastructure grant awarded in January 2024 with final agreement pending, a $532 million request to the federal Bridge Investment Program, and a federal loan to be repaid by future bridge tolls. Various smaller grants, totaling nearly $20 million, have already been secured. Construction cannot start until all funding is secured.

“We went into this year needing additional money from Oregon and Washington to strengthen our case for federal funds,” said Michael Shannon, project director with HNTB, an engineering company serving as the “owner’s representative” to work with primary contractors. “Thanks to our legislative champions in both states, we now have that.”

This past April, the Washington Legislature approved $50 million, adding to its 2023 contribution of $75 million. Earlier this summer, Oregon lawmakers approved $105 million, adding to their commitment in June 2023 of $20 million.

Pending final negotiations, Kiewit Corporation will hold the design contract. One of the nation’s largest engineering and construction firms, Kiewit has regional offices in Portland, Vancouver and Boardman. Once the bridge authority gives notice to proceed, Kiewit will create, over the following 21 months, full design and engineering documentation, allowing replacement to proceed immediately upon securing full federal funding. Those designs will also add considerable detail to the preliminary bridge renderings already publicized.

If federal funding arrives on schedule, construction will begin in fall of 2027.

The bridge authority’s contract with Kiewit incorporates flexibility should federal funding be delayed, and to account for any unknowns not already discovered. For instance, the design schedule could be intentionally “throttled back” if needed.

As project designer, Kiewit would be well-positioned to build the new structure, but the bridge authority retains the ability to select a different construction contractor.

The Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Authority is responsible for replacing the aging Hood River Bridge. A quasi-governmental entity, the authority also will be responsible for operating and maintaining the new bridge. It is separate from and unrelated to the Port of Hood River. Oversight is provided by a 12-member commission, consisting of six voting members and six alternates — half appointed by Hood River County and half by Klickitat County. Offices are located in White Salmon.