The Hawthorne Bridge will be closed to motor vehicles from 10 pm on Friday, March 8 until as late as 5 am on Monday, March 11 due to a concrete pour for a new section of deck on the eastbound ramp to the bridge. The bridge will remain open to bicyclists and pedestrians during the weekend.
Contractor Hamilton Construction has removed a portion of an abandoned ramp from SW Naito Parkway southbound to the Hawthorne Bridge. The ramp was removed to make way for Multnomah County’s new Central Courthouse. The contractor is rebuilding the southern edge of the bridge ramp that still carries eastbound traffic from SW Madison Street.
During the bridge closure, concrete will be poured for a deck section that is roughly 12 feet wide and 160 feet long. The bridge needs to be closed to motor vehicles during and after the concrete pour because vibrations from traffic can damage the concrete while it hardens.
The Morrison Bridge is a nearby alternate route for motor vehicles during the weekend bridge closure. TriMet bus lines that normally use the Hawthorne Bridge will detour to the Morrison Bridge during the closure.
Work on the eastbound ramp to the Hawthorne Bridge will be finished this spring.
The Hawthorne Bridge and the new Central Courthouse are Multnomah County assets. For ramp work information visit: https://multco.us/bridges/webform/hawthorne-bridge-westside-ramp-project. For information on the courthouse project, visit: https://multco.us/central-courthouse-project.
Source: Multnomah County