The Sauvie Bridge item will be heard by Council sometime in the morning of April 2nd. The best estimate of the start time is 11:00 a.m.Why this is being done:
- Sustainability. Rather than scrapping the old bridge we are recycling it to a new location and a new use. This saves natural resources and makes a strong statement about Portland's commitment to sustainability.
- Historic preservation. Although not a designated historic structure, the bridge is one of the few remaining examples of its type and, due to its connection to Sauvie Island, an important part of Portland's history.
- Bicycle Safety. Burnside, Everett and Glisan are poor bicycle routes because of high traffic volumes and speeds. Flanders is a safe street for riders of all skill levels.
- Importantant East/West connection. Flanders is unique in that it connects the Steel Bridge and Waterfront Park to NW 24th St. and the entrance to Washington Park.
- Reconnects neighborhoods. I-405 created a barrier between the Northwest neighborhood and the Pearl neighborhood. The Sauvie Bridge over I-405 at Flanders will help bridge this barrier and further link these two neighborhoods.
- Economic vitality. Increasing bicycle and pedestrian trips between the retail districts of NW 23rd and the Pearl will help businesses in both districts.
- Bridge as Place. A typical 12 foot wide pedestrian and bike bridge serves only the functions of carrying pedestrians and bicyclist. The Sauvie Bridge is 30 feet wide and, in addition to providing a crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists, is wide enough for food kiosks and an occasional block party.
- Iconic structure. The Sauvie bridge will stand as a beacon to Portland's commitment to multi-modal transportation, vital neighborhoods and sustainable practices.
- Cool. The Sauvie Bridge over I-405 at Flanders will add to the unique character of NW Portland.
- System Development Charge (SDC). The SDC program has budgeted $2 million for a pedestrian and bike bridge over I-405 at Flanders. This money is immediately available to PDOT.
- Tax Increment Financing (TIF). $2 million in TIF funds are committed from the River District. Before using these funds PDOT and PDC must complete an interagency agreement and receive approval from the PDC Commission. This item is scheduled to be considered by the PDC Commission on April 8th.
- Transportation Enhancement Funds (TE). TE is a federal program for funding alternative transportation projects and is administered by ODOT. We have applied for $1 million from this program. The request must be approved by a citizen advisory committee that meets in May. Our request has the strong support of ODOT senior administrators and we are optimistic that it will be approved.
- Private Donations. A group of community members has formed to help raise money for the bridge. Their goal is to raise $500,000. PDOT is prepared to use funds budgeted for bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements to make up the difference should this goal not be met.
As a point of reference, building a new bicycle/pedestrian bridge at that location has been estimated at $3.5 million. Given the current economy and city's financial situation, I question whether the historic and aesthetic value is worth a 40% increase in the project cost.
A very valid question. Thanks!
Does anyone else have thoughts on the matter?
Aaron asks a good question. Two things to consider: where the money is coming from and what is the advantage of the old over a new bridge that costs less.
Part of the money is coming from PDOT and is already budgeted, tax increment financing from the River District is allocated, transportation enhancement funds from the federal government, and private donations. Its not as if the additional expense is coming out of the city's general fund. They are alternative sources to reduce the burden on the city.
The Sauvie Island Bridge offers 30 feet of right of way, a new bridge will give 10 to 15 feet of right of way. While it is functional, the narrower bridge does lend itself to more incidents between bikes and pedestrians or bikes and bikes. The wider bridge provides more room and will make it easier/more comfortable for bikes and pedestrians to share that right of way.
The streets close by have standard sidewalks on one side of the bridges that cross 405. Again adequate but not something that encourages walking or riding between the Pearl and NW. A wider bridge will offer bikes and pedestrians a safer, more pleasant way to cross 405, and I think will encourage more people to walk or ride a bike.
I think its worth it, but what do other people think.
A dangerous location for a bicycle bridge. NW Flanders and NW 16th is a Freeway entrance and exit with a large number of vehicles all hours of the day. Already there is too much traffic on these streets. The line to the I-405 Everett Street on-ramp starts at NW 16h and Irving.
Adding a bicycle bridge would put a lot more people in danger. Does the city plan to re-design these freeway access points, the intersections, the streets, the sidewalks, and demolish the nearby buildings all to accommodate this new bridge? If this is so the cost to taxpayers will be over $30 million, not $3.5 million. It would be more reasonable to widen the NW Everett and NW Glisan overpasses to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclist.
anonymous,
I looked into your concerns and the plan calls for stop lights with cross walks on 14th and 16th at either end of the bridge.
They will also change the lighting configuration at Glisan so that it makes more sense. the end result will be greater safety all around.
Thanks for you comment.