PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — A Multnomah County bridge that has been closed for several months due to emergency repairs has finally re-opened.
The county announced drivers, cyclists and pedestrians were safe to use the Stark Street Bridge on Thursday . A wall beneath the structure in the Columbia River Gorge partially collapsed in mid-September, forcing officials to abruptly close it to address the damage.
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According to Multnomah County , the collapse occurred as a result of several vehicle crashes over the last decade. During repairs, officials said crews learned the opposite side of the wall was at risk of collapsing — and there were also holes as deep as eight inches in the bridge deck.
They determined repairs would span across six months. The county reported that “engineers, biologists, historical resource experts and a contractor” worked to resolve the issue both on time and under the estimated budget of $1.9 million.
“Due to the emergency nature of the project, permitting processes which typically take over a year were accelerated,” Multnomah County Project Manager Sara Jeffrey said in a statement.
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Officials noted that locals in Corbett and other parts of East County were most impacted by the repairs, as “there are few alternative routes in that location.” Multnomah County District 4 Commissioners thanked the community for enduring the closure that serves as a “critical connection” to other areas…