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The Sellwood Bridge project faces a $42 million funding gap. Up to $10 million of that could be shaved off with a time-saving detour bridge proposal if construction starts this December. For the rest of that shortfall, Multnomah County is looking for more cost-saving solutions.

On Monday, the Community Advisory Committee for the Sellwood Bridge Project will meet to review design features and cost-saving ideas for the new bridge, according to a statement from the county. The committee includes representatives from neighborhoods, businesses, river users, transportation modes (such as bicycling and driving), and design professionals. At the meeting, the committee will receive a presentation from architect Ricardo Rabines and will perform a brainstorming exercise on cost-saving ideas.

鈥淭he project team is looking for suggestions that can reduce the project’s cost, without delaying the project or requiring new environmental studies,鈥� said county spokesman Mike Pullen in a statement. It is possible that the county will put off some portions of the project, such as reconstruction of the interchange where the bridge meets Oregon Route 43, until funding is secured.

The Multnomah County board of commissioners recently approved a design modification that will cut up to $10 million off the project cost by using the current bridge span as a detour span, which will reduce time and labor costs. That proposal will save the most money if the construction begins in December, Pullen said.

The Sellwood Bridge project is in its final design stage. Last month, the county signed a $1.23 million contract for pre-construction services with the construction joint venture of Slayden Construction Group/Sundt Construction.