Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Willamette River Bridges: Oregon City Bridge

IMG_2723 Willamette River Bridge in Oregon City, Oregon on August 19, 2006
Willamette River Bridge in Oregon City on August 19, 2006

The first suspension bridge west of the Mississippi River was erected here in 1888. This concrete arch bridge was built in 1922 to replace it. The suspension cables from the original bridge were used to support the current bridge during construction.

IMG_2749 Willamette River Bridge Plaque in Oregon City, Oregon on August 19, 2006
Willamette River Bridge in Oregon City on August 19, 2006

The bridge was designed by Conde B. McCullough, and the bridge's Art Deco details are typical of McCullough's designs. Though officially named simply the Willamette River Bridge, it is often referred to as the Oregon City Bridge to avoid confusion with other bridges.

IMG_2752 Willamette River Bridge in Oregon City, Oregon on August 19, 2006
Willamette River Bridge in Oregon City on August 19, 2006

The bridge features a 360-foot half-through arch main span, and is one of only four of this type of bridge in Oregon.

IMG_2756 Willamette River Bridge in Oregon City, Oregon on August 19, 2006
Willamette River Bridge in Oregon City on August 19, 2006

Though the bridge structure appears to be built entirely of concrete, the arch is actually steel and is covered with a protective layer of sprayed-on concrete called gunite.

IMG_2817 View of Willamette River Bridge from Municipal Elevator in Oregon City, Oregon on August 19, 2006
Willamette River Bridge in Oregon City on August 19, 2006

The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 1, 2005.

IMG_2823 Willamette River Bridge in Oregon City, Oregon on August 19, 2006
Willamette River Bridge in Oregon City on August 19, 2006

Bridge Type: Half-through Arch
Opened: December 28, 1922
Designed by: Conde B. McCullough
Built by: A. Guthrie & Company, Portland, OR
Total Length: 745 feet
Main Span Length: 360 feet
Width: 28 feet
Vertical Clearance: 49 feet
Construction Cost: $300,000
Carries: Oregon Highway 43
Owned by: Oregon Department of Transportation

IMG_1887 Willamette River Bridge from the Willamette Falls Locks in West Linn, Oregon on February 1, 2010
Willamette River Bridge in Oregon City on February 1, 2010

These views of the Oregon City Bridge were taken from the Willamette Falls Locks on February 1, 2010 as the sternwheeler Willamette Queen passed through the locks and down the Willamette River toward Portland.

IMG_1934 Sternwheeler Willamette Queen under the Willamette River Bridge in Oregon City, Oregon on February 1, 2010
Willamette River Bridge in Oregon City on February 1, 2010

Historical Photos:
Oregon City Suspension Bridge (Oregon State Library)
Oregon City Suspension Bridge, 1890 (Oregon State Library)
Oregon City Suspension Bridge (Oregon State Library)
Oregon City Suspension Bridge (Oregon State Library)
Oregon City Suspension Bridge (Oregon State Library)
Oregon City Suspension Bridge (Oregon State Library)
View of Oregon City Suspension Bridge (Oregon State Library)
View of Oregon City Suspension Bridge (Oregon State Library)
View of Oregon City Suspension Bridge (Oregon State Library)
View of Oregon City Bridge, Feb. 1961 (Salem Public Library)
View of Oregon City Bridge, Feb. 1961 (Salem Public Library)

IMG_2445 Willamette River Bridge in Oregon City, Oregon on February 20, 2010
Willamette River Bridge in Oregon City on February 20, 2010

Continue to George Abernethy Memorial Bridge

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