THE SWINGING BRIDGE, COTTAGE GROVE. Photo provided/Dana Merryday
There are currently four out of five ways open to cross the Coast Fork of the Willamette River. Things are about to be a little more complicated for travelers in the present, but in the future all five bridges will be open and safe for travel.
If you live in the Cottage Grove City limits you should have received a green postcard from the City inviting you to a public information meeting, Tuesday, March 5th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Stacy’s Covered Bridge Restaurant on Main Street. If you didn’t get it or threw it away thinking it was a piece of junk mail consider yourself heartily invited!
This will be an informational meeting where the plans for the repair construction of the Main Street, Harrison Avenue and the Silk Creek Bridges will be presented, as well as the long awaited Restoration Plans for the Swinging Bridge.
There will be a short presentation on each structure as well as diagrams and plans of the work to be done available. Then the floor will be open for questions, concerns and suggestions.
Speaking with Ryan Sisson of the City Engineering office, he was enthusiastic about beginning these important projects and looking forward to hearing the public’s input. He will also clarify some of the minor inconveniences that may occur during construction.
According to the City’s website: ”During construction, our first priority is to allow first responders, transit and schools through the construction zones. So, one lane will remain open at all times during construction, however there may be short periods of closures to allow construction material deliveries. The second priority is to ensure access to the downtown business district at all times.”
The three street bridges will be worked on From Feb. 27 through May 24, although the one lane closures should mainly occur during March. Some work is weather dependent, but the public will be informed of any changes via signs, reader boards, the City’s website, KNND, and the Sentinel.
The most exciting news will be the unveiling of the process for restoring the Swinging Bridge, closed nearly three years ago. The Ausland-Hamilton Design Team will have delivered its preliminary (35 percent) bridge rehabilitation design and engineer’s cost estimates. So the public will get its first look at the things to come for the historic footbridge.
Officially known as ”Currin’s Suspension Footbridge,” it has crossed the river for over a 100 years in that location. The Friends of the Swinging Bridge will have their historical displays of bridges past and are very eager to see what the next incarnation of our beloved bridge will take.
Remember this is your chance to learn first hand what is going on with the Swinging Bridge and our three other bridges to be repaired. Please come and bring your questions and concerns. Don’t believe the rumors, come get the facts and if you want the bridge to move, speak up! See you next Tuesday at Stacy’s!
Contact Dana Merryday: 541-942-7037; [email protected]
