Next week, pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicular traffic will be welcomed onto one lane of the new Van Buren Bridge in Corvallis.
After nearly two years in construction, the bridge will be partially opened to those traveling eastbound out of downtown Corvallis. One lane of motorized traffic as well as a double wide multimodal path will be available starting July 28.
The new bridge replaces the 1913 original, which, after more than 100 years, was no longer suitable for use, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. The original steel frame could not withstand heavy weights and was not earthquake-safe…