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The Morrison Bridge, in Portland, has its first new coat of paint since it opened across the Willamette River in 1958.

Crews completed a $26 million improvement project this month after two years of work that gave the bridge a fresh look and enhanced safety. The project was primarily federally funded; Multnomah County covered 10 percent of the cost.

The project’s contractor was Southern Road and Bridge of Tarpon Springs, Florida.

The aluminum-gray paint is meant to resemble the original coat. Three different coats of paint were applied: a zinc primer coat, an intermediate coat for added protection, and then a finish coat.

Through required inspections during the project, crews were able to perform more than 20 steel repairs to strengthen the bridge. Crews also repainted sign structures over the bridge and replaced all the old signs to make traffic and safety messaging more visible.

On the horizon is another Morrison Bridge project. Crews will strengthen the Southeast Morrison Street and Southeast Belmont Street ramps to reduce weight restrictions that prevent drivers of heavy trucks from crossing the bridge. Work will also involve replacing the motors and brakes in the movable span. Construction is expected to take place from spring 2024 to fall 2025.