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This project will replace the existing deck on the Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge. See project photos.


Concrete deck pours complete on Washington bridge approach.


Crews remove deck panels from the main truss span.

Project Facts

• This project replaces the existing deck on the US 97 Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge over the Columbia River with a more durable concrete deck.
• Because the Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge spans the state line between Washington and Oregon, the cost for the bridge deck replacement project is being split evenly by both states.
• Safety of motorists and crews continues to be the highest priority, requiring a closure of the bridge while the deck is being replaced.
  

Overview
This project is replacing the existing deck on the US 97 Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge over the Columbia River with a more durable concrete deck. Currently, the bridge deck is deteriorating at a rapid pace.

Why is WSDOT replacing the bridge deck?
The Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge provides a vital link for Oregon and Washington commuters and trucking commerce. Over the past several years, the bridge’s deck has begun to crack and deteriorate, and it continues to get worse despite several maintenance projects. WSDOT decided to accelerate construction of this project to Fall 2007.

The End Result
This project replaces the existing deck on the Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge with a more durable concrete deck. It also replaces the existing shoulder curbing with two-foot wide shoulders on both sides of the bridge, installs new bridge rail, improves the drainage system, and replaces lighting. 

Project Benefits

• Operational:  Replacing the existing deck will extend the life of this bridge by another 25 years.
• Mobility: This project will provide motorists with a better driving surface. In addition, the existing shoulder curbing will be replaced with two-foot wide shoulders on both sides of the bridge. This will allow traffic to drive around stalls and minor collisions more easily.
• Economic:  Replacing the deck will remove the existing truck size restrictions and prevent additional restrictions from being implemented on this heavily used commerce trucking route. This will allow more goods to be shipped across the Columbia River to customers and ports in both states.

What is the project timeline?

• Summer 2005: Project development began.
• January 2006: Design began.
• Spring 2007: Design completed.
• December 3, 2007:  Construction began.
• January 2, 2008: The first bridge closure began. During the closures, the crews will be working two 10-hour shifts a day.
• May 23, 2008: The bridge will reopen.
• September 2, 2008: The second complete closure of the bridge begins.
• 2009: Construction is scheduled to be completed.

Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. An open house was held Dec. 4, 2007; this was an opportunity to learn more about the project and traffic impacts.

WSDOT held an open house on April 27, 2006 to inform the public of changes to the project and to the originally projected timeline, and gather feedback.

Two open houses were held in February 2005, one in Oregon and one in Washington. Since that time, the project date has been moved forward, with construction to begin in Fall 2007.

For the more information about public involvement opportunities for other WSDOT projects in Southwest Washington, visit to the SW Region's Public Involvement page.

Environmental Protection
WSDOT makes every effort to assess and minimize negative impacts from highway improvement projects. Because the majority of activities for this project will occur directly over the Columbia River, special care must be taken to prevent construction debris or pollutants from entering the water. An effective containment system will be developed and implemented prior to and during construction.

For environmental information specific to this project, please contact Becky Michaliszyn at (360) 905-2174, or e-mail michalb@wsdot.wa.gov.

Please visit the WSDOT Environmental Services Web site for more information.

Increasing safety is one of our priorities
By replacing the existing shoulder curbing with two-foot shoulders on both sides of the bridge, this project will provide motorists with a wider driving surface that will allow traffic to drive around stalls and minor collisions more easily. Replacement of the bridge rail will also help with safety, bringing the design up to current standards.

Will this project impact tribal resources?
At WSDOT we seek to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.

This project will not directly affect any tribal fishing areas located along the river adjacent to the bridge.

For more information visit our WSDOT Tribal Liaison website.

Financial Information

Because the Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge spans the state line between Washington and Oregon, the cost for the bridge deck replacement project is being split evenly by both states. Washington’s share will be federal Bridge Replacement funds.

• Existing Funds - $8 Million
• Other Agency Funds - $8 Million
  These funds are provided by the state of Oregon.
• Total funding available from all sources - $16 Million 
  

How can I get more information?
Contact:
Area Engineer Chris Tams
WSDOT Columbia Gorge Area Office
P.O. Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-759-1310, or toll-free at 1-866-279-0730
E-mail: swGorge@wsdot.wa.gov

or

Communications Manager Sylvia Ross
WSDOT Southwest Region
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-905-2058, or toll-free at 1-866-973-6879
E-mail: RossSy@wsdot.wa.gov

or access our project feedback form.

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