Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Willamette River Bridges: George Abernethy Memorial Bridge

IMG_2722 George Abernethy Memorial Bridge in Oregon City, Oregon on August 19, 2006
George Abernethy Memorial Bridge on August 19, 2006

This steel plate and box girder bridge opened on May 3, 1970 carrying Interstate 205's 6 lanes across the Willamette River. It was built near the location of Abernethy's home. The bridge is made up of 15 spans and 60 girders. The bridge is 2,727 feet long. The longest span is 430 feet long, and maximum vertical clearance at low river level is 85 feet. The entire bridge is built on a slope such that southbound traffic is going uphill for the entire length of the bridge and for a half-mile beyond. The bridge was built at a cost of $15.9 million, and an $8 million seismic retrofit was done from 1999 to 2002.

IMG_2814 View from Municipal Elevator in Oregon City, Oregon on August 19, 2006
George Abernethy Memorial Bridge on August 19, 2006

The bridge was designated the "George Abernethy Memorial Bridge" by the 1979 Oregon Legislature. George Abernethy arrived in Oregon on June 2, 1840 as part of Jason Lee's Methodist Willamette Mission at Champoeg. He was involved in the series of meetings to form the Oregon Country's provisional government, and became the first provisional Governor in 1845. Abernethy served two terms as Governor, until 1849, when Oregon became a territory of the United States and the provisional government ceased to exist. Abernethy's home was located on the east bank on the Willamette River near Oregon City.

IMG_2442 George Abernethy Memorial Bridge in Oregon City, Oregon on February 20, 2010
George Abernethy Memorial Bridge on February 20, 2010

Bridge Type: Steel Plate/Box Girder
Opened: May 3, 1970
Total Length: 2,727 feet
Longest Span: 430 feet
Vertical Clearance: 85 feet
Construction Cost $15.9 million
Carries: Interstate 205
Owned by: Oregon Department of Transportation

IMG_2444 George Abernethy Memorial Bridge in Oregon City, Oregon on February 20, 2010
George Abernethy Memorial Bridge on February 20, 2010

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