Bridge to Close November 9; Info Meeting, Oct 12 [updated]

Old structures have old paint - many layers of old paint! And one of the hazards of old paint, of course, is lead. Fortunately, as part of the Federal Stimulus, the ARRA, the Oregon Department of Transportation recieved money to take care of the lead. The project went out to bid last month, and there's a schedule now. Unfortunately the bridge will need to close. But it will be back in time for fair weather!

Last week the City sent out this notice about the fall and winter closure of the Union Street Railroad Bridge during the lead abatement and encapsulation project.

Mon., Sept. 28, 2009 – Salem, Ore. – Last spring, the City of Salem was awarded $3.5 million in stimulus funds from the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Transportation Enhancement Program for the second phase restoration of the Union Street Railroad Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge. In order to complete this work, the bridge will temporarily close to the public from mid-Nov. 2009 to mid-May 2010. During the closure, encapsulation of lead-based paint, painting, bridge repairs, and installation of security cameras will be completed. Closure signs will be posted at the entrance on both sides of the bridge. Salem residents are invited to attend the Oct. 12 Salem City Council meeting where the bridge construction funding, timeline, and an overview will be presented.

Update - The closure date has been set: According to the city's release, "the six month closure begins Mon., Nov. 9, 2009."