Bridge reopens

Since 2014, the port has contracted with engineers at Henningson, Durham and Richardson, Inc. (HDR). Inspection work got underway, and the port advised residents to seek alternative routes when traveling between Bingen and Hood River.

“Since that time two engineering activities have been going on in parallel. One, an assessment of the bridge in its current damage state, and two, discussions and planning for permanent repairs,” Greenwood said.

In a news release on June 28, the port announced a public meeting would be held on June 30 so the commission could discuss the next steps and approve an action plan.

HDR Engineers Justin Doorninik and Eric Rau initiated a structural assessment which was presented to the port commission at the emergency meeting. They recommended the lift span remain in place and not be raised until the portal bracing is repaired.

After nearly a 72-hour closure, HDR gave the port a path towards reopening the bridge to vehicles on Sunday, June 30. Doorinik recommended reopening “provided that vehicles are compliant with the load posting of the bridge.” As of Sunday, semi-trucks are not permitted to cross the bridge. The port is currently working to contract for third-party security to enforce these load regulations.

Kiewit Infrastructure West will conduct an independent review of HDR’s findings. The Port of Hood River will produce a report of their own in regard to the costs, repayment, communication and legal issues related to the incident, according to Greenwood. That report will be presented at the July 16 port commission meeting.

An additional motion was passed to give the executive director the ability to sign emergency repair or support contracts up to $1 million. Greenwood said the motion was intended to “sign [the emergency] contracts and get them implemented as quickly as possible.” The commission passed the motion unanimously.

Following the regular session, port commission president Kristi Chapman commended the staff’s response to the incident: “I would like to thank everyone for [their] swift response time, professionalism, collaboration, from insurance agents to facilities staff to the port staff to the engineering teams.”

The limitation of semi-trucks on the bridge, Greenwood noted, is to prevent a repeated impact to the damaged area, though there is some benefit as well with the reduced weight.