~ Connecting a Community ~
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Union Street Bridge at night.
Photo: by Ron Cooper |
Thirty years of planning and putting ideas into action were all worth it. The long-awaited Union Street Railroad Bridge is now open to runners, cyclists, and pedestrians. In this program, Salem residents and city and state officials express their excitement about the opening of this historic bridge and future plans to build a second bridge that will connect Wallace Marine Park, Riverfront Park, and Minto Brown Island Park.
Streaming Video ~ Requires Windows Media Player
| Date |
- |
Milestones |
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June
2011 |
|
|
|
| |
Victorian Society Award |
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July
2010 |
|
|
|
| |
National TPEA Award |
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April
2010 |
|
|
|
| |
Bridge
Reopens |
|
March
2010 |
|
|
|
| |
Oregon
Heritage
Excellence
Award |
|
Jan
2010 |
|
|
|
| |
Award of Escellence |
|
Nov
2009 |
|
|
|
| |
Bridge
Closure |
|
Oct
2009 |
|
|
|
| |
Phase II |
|
Sept
2009 |
|
|
|
| |
Low Bid - S&K Painting |
|
| April 2009 |
|
|
|
| |
Grand
Opening |
|
Feb
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
ODOT approves $3.5M for
lead paint encapsulation |
|
| 2008 |
|
|
| |
Construction
begins |
|
Feb
2008 |
|
|
| |
ODOT issues notice to proceed |
|
Nov
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Council
approved funding: ORTC Grant $1,346,376; OR Parks Grant $575,700; URA Grant; $1,118,000; Ambulance Funds $225,000 |
|
| Oct 2007 |
|
|
| |
Low bid:
Carter & Co. |
|
Jan
2006 |
|
|
|
|
| |
Bridge put on National Register / Historic Places |
|
| 2004 |
|
|
| |
City buys bridge $1 |
|
| 1913 |
|
|
|
| |
Southern Pacific RR builds bridge |
|
| |
|
|
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Description
Phase I
Phase I of this project converted the historic Union Street Railroad Bridge and its associated timber trestle, built across the Willamette River in 1912-13, into a facility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized users. The project provides a critical half-mile link in the bicycle and pedestrian circulation systems for the community, the region, and the state.
Carter & Company, Inc., a Salem, Oregon contractor, was awarded the construction contract on February 14, 2008, construction started April 2008 and lasted one year. HDR engineering firm designed the conversion and performed the project management.
The Phase I Grand Opening celebration occurred April 18, 2009; check out the photo gallery.
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Want to Get Involved?
The Friends of Two Bridges is a non -profit grassroots group dedicated to the design and construction of the Minto Island Bridge and the Union Street Railroad Bridge. In addition to gathering support for conversion of the Union Street Railroad Bridge, the group worked on its ribbon cutting ceremony and an interpretive display. The group is also gathering support for funding the Minto Island to Riverfront Park bridge connection. Contact Hazel Patton at 503.581.4939 or e-mail her at ptn1363@msn.com to be added to the email roster. |
Phase II
Thanks to a $3.5 M American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant from ODOT, this project was completed years earlier than expected.
Phase II included lead paint encapsulation and installation of security cameras. This work was performed by S&K Painting Inc, a contractor out of Clackamas, Oregon. Construction started November 9, 2009 and was complete May 14, 2010.
Description
Two large urban parks: Wallace Marine (114 acres) and Riverfront (23 acres), book end this bridge and the conversion connects their trail systems into a single, safe and pleasant, family-friendly network. Frequently Asked Questions about the project.
The Union Street Railroad Bridge project has improved bicycle and pedestrian safety and accessibility. It encourages the use of alternative transportation modes and promotes healthy forms of exercise like running, cycling, skating, and wheelchairing.
The project complements both the state-designated Willamette River Water Trail and a potential future footbridge project which will connect across Willamette Slough from the south end of Riverfront Park to Minto Brown Island Park (900 acres), adding fourteen miles of trails to the network. Salem Downtown Parks Connections - Three Parks, Two Bridges, One Community.
Important Documents
Staff Contact
Todd Klocke 503.588.6178