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Crews have begun designing a new lift span deck for the Morrison Bridge. The new deck, which will feature an open grate design, will replace one that deteriorated prematurely shortly after it was installed in 2011.

Portland engineering firm David Evans and Associates won the bid. The project schedule calls for designs to be completed by early next year, to allow construction to begin in the spring.

According to Multnomah County, traffic on the bascule drawbridge, which averages about 50,000 vehicles a day, will remain open in two lanes in each direction once work begins, except for several weekend closures in the summer.

Steel grating on the bridge was replaced in 2011 with fiber-reinforced panels, which failed months after installation. This past March, a jury awarded Multnomah County $4.4 million in damages, finding the contractor and three subcontractors at fault.

Multnomah County maintains six Willamette River bridges, including the Morrison.

The design work is budgeted at just under $1 million, according to Multnomah County. Construction costs will total $6 million for materials and installation.