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Development of perhaps the most critical infrastructure improvement project in Multnomah County is approaching an important milestone. The community task force helping guide the process to either improve or replace Portland’s Burnside Bridge is expected to issue its recommendation for one of four potential projects in either May or June.

The task force will hold a virtual online meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday to discuss the four possibilities. There will be no public access to the live event; however, citizens can submit comments to be read during the meeting by emailing them to [email protected] before noon on Monday. A recording of the meeting will be posted on the project website afterward.

The bridge project possibilities being studied include: an enhanced seismic retrofit of the existing bridge; a replacement movable bridge on the same alignment with short spans; a replacement movable bridge on the same alignment with long spans; and a replacement movable bridge with an extension of Northeast Couch Street.

When the task force identifies a preferred alternative, it also will issue a formal recommendation whether to build a temporary detour bridge during construction.

The project team also recently notified the Federal Highway Administration that it’s preparing an Environmental Impact Statement for the project. Public comments are being accepted at .