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Prime Consultant: CH2M Hill
Client: Multnomah County
Other consultants: Alta Planning and Design, JLA, Parisi Associates, TY Lin

From a statewide perspective, the Sellwood Bridge has earned the title of the busiest two-lane bridge in Oregon.

But around the Portland-metro area, the 85-year-old structure had another reputation, this one of a more dubious nature.

Eighty-five years of wear and tear had taken its toll on the bridge and Multnomah County officials knew the bridge needed to be replaced.

But with more than 120 alternative solutions proposed and a wide range of voices clamoring to be heard, the county knew finding a solution that met transportation needs while also winning broad public support was going to require an innovative approach.

The project team turned to the Internet to create a place where the public could go to learn about the myriad possible options for fixing or replacing the Sellwood Bridge.

The “build a bridge” website also offered a place where members of the community could vent their concerns or share their viewpoints and opinions. More than 6,500 people used the online tool, while 3,000 people took a survey offered as part of the website.

The information gathered through the website served as a resource that a community task force tapped into as it drew up a list of community goals. Those goals were then used to narrow down the long list of alternatives. The resulting five options were then each examined during an environmental impact statement phase.

After a four-year study, stakeholder groups unanimously approved an option that promises to provide adequate capacity for pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicles.