NE 42nd Avenue Bridge Replacement

NE 42nd Avenue Bridge Replacement
Point of Contact		NE 42nd Avenue Bridge Replacement (over Lombard Street
Participating Municipalities
City of Portland Oregon Department of Transportation
Sectors		Team Organizations
Transportation		Portland Bureau of Transportation Cascade Bridge
Project Description
Brief Description	No detailed description provided.
Problem Statement/Need	The existing bridge is vulnerable to earthquakes, has weight restrictions that limit freight traffic, and lacks adequate space for pedestrians and cyclists. This creates safety concerns and hinders efficient transportation for freight, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Goals and Objectives	The project aims to enhance transportation safety and connectivity by replacing the existing bridge over NE Lombard Street. The new bridge will be an earthquake-ready structure, improving freight access and better connecting pedestrians and cyclists to the Holman Neighborhood Greenway and the upcoming NE 47th Avenue multi-use path.
Detailed Description	The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is constructing a new earthquake-ready bridge to provide better access for freight, pedestrians, and people biking. Bridge will fill the gap between the Holman Neighborhood Greenway and the NE 47th Avenue protected bikeway.
Location/Scope	NE 42nd Avenue from NE Holman Street to NE Columbia Street and NE Lombard Street from ODOT MP 8.22 to ODOT MP 8.33. The project specifically involves replacing the bridge over NE Lombard Street, which is also known as the US30 Bypass.
Estimated Costs	$25,000,000€ 22,000,000 <br />£ 18,500,000 <br />CA$ 31,750,000 <br />CNY 158,250,000 <br />KRW 30,636,250 <br />
Implementation Plan	The NE 42nd Avenue Bridge replacement project in Portland, Oregon, involves a complete bridge replacement to improve safety and functionality, with a two-year closure of the bridge starting August 4. The new bridge will feature wider traffic lanes, a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, and will be built to withstand earthquakes. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2024, and NE Lombard Street will be closed for several weekends during the project.
Community Benefit	The primarily focused on improving safety, accessibility, and connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and freight. The new bridge will be earthquake-ready, improving resilience, and will feature wider lanes and a multi-use path, better accommodating all users.
Budget & Funding
Participatory Budget Allocation	$25,000,000€ 22,000,000 <br />£ 18,500,000 <br />CA$ 31,750,000 <br />CNY 158,250,000 <br />KRW 30,636,250 <br />	Has multiple funders: Build Portland HB 2017 SDC HVUT General Funds ODOT Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF)
Feasibility	High	Already planned and funded
Funding Alignment	High	Funded as listed above
Community Engagement
Proposed Engagement Activities	Presented at the Living Cully Partners & Allies Meeting Wednesday, July 16
Targeted Outreach	TBD
Inclusivity Measures	TBD
Evaluation & Monitoring
Success Measurement	The success of the NE 42nd Avenue Bridge Replacement project in Portland, Oregon, will be measured by several key factors, including improved safety, enhanced connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, and better access for freight transportation. The new bridge will address safety concerns related to earthquakes and lack of space for pedestrians and cyclists on the existing structure. It will also improve connectivity by bridging the gap between the Holman Neighborhood Greenway and the NE 47th Avenue protected bikeway.
Follow-up with Participants	TBD
Geospatial Data
Project Location	Loading map...
Voter Turnout Data
Turnout		This was not put through the Participatory Budget Process
		{{{demographic_vote_comment}}}
Milestones
August 4 2025 - Bridge Closure: A full closure of NE 42nd Avenue at the bridge August 4 2027 - Project Complete

What’s happening now?

PBOT's contractor, Cascade Bridge, is expected to start construction on Aug. 4 with a full closure of the bridge. The closure will last approximately two years.

42nd Ave Bridge & Corridor - elevation drawing

​ Rendering of the replacement bridge on NE 42nd Avenue, pictured here in a cross-section over Lombard Street and the railroad.

Background

42nd Ave Bridge & Corridor - section A

42nd Ave Bridge & Corridor - section B

42nd Ave Bridge & Corridor - section C

The current bridge over NE Lombard Street is on a recommended Emergency Transportation Route but is vulnerable to earthquakes. Freight uses the bridge as a connection between NE Lombard Street and Columbia Boulevard, but the current bridge's height and weight restrictions limit freight transportation. In addition, the current bridge does not have enough room for pedestrians and people biking. This new connection would fill the gap between the Holman Neighborhood Greenway and the protected bikeway on NE 47th Avenue. When it's complete, the bridge will provide better access for freight, pedestrians, and people biking. 

Rendering A shows how the new bridge will look approaching from the north: a 6-foot wide buffered bike lane to the left, a 13-foot wide traffic lane in each direction, and a 10-foot wide multiuse path to the right.

Rendering B shows a cross-section of the bridge itself, with a 7-foot wide elevated bike lane on the left, 13-foot wide traffic lane in both directions, and a 10-foot wide multiuse path on the right side of the bridge.

Rendering C shows how the new bridge will look approaching it from the south: a 7-foot wide bike lane to the left, with a 3-foot buffer, a 13-foot wide traffic lane in each direction, and a 12-foot wide multiuse path to the right.

42nd Ave Bridge & Corridor - plan

Overhead view of NE 42nd Avenue Bridge over Lombard Street and freight traffic.

Funding

$25 million

The project has several funding sources:

• Build Portland
• HB 2017
• SDC
• HVUT
• General Funds
• ODOT
• Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF)

Sign up for email updates

Sign up for email updates