Earlier today, significant damage to approximately 200 feet of the east side guardrail (north bound lane) of the Hood River Bridge caused traffic delays in both directions as crews responded. Port crews have completed their clean-up work and traffic flow has returned to normal.
Intermittent single lane closures are anticipated next week, when contractors will be on the bridge to replace the damaged section of guardrail. Dates, times, and duration of those closures are yet to be determined. The Port will issue notice before closures begin.
For more information, call the Port of Hood River at (541) 386-
1645 or email porthr@gorge.net.
TRAFFIC ALERT: INTERMITTENT SINGLE LANE BRIDGE CLOSURES MAY 11-12, 2016
Port of Hood River maintenance crews and contractors will be conducting inspections of the Hood River/White Salmon Interstate Bridge lift span next Wednesday and Thursday, May 11-12 beginning at 9:00 am and continuing through 3:00 pm both days. Each closure could be up to 15 minutes in duration. Bridge users should expect up to 15 minute delays.
For more information, call the Port of Hood River at (541) 386-1645 or email porthr@gorge.net.
Other Stories: Letter from Port Director Michael McElwee
Michael McElwee
The Port is engaged in a diverse range of projects and activities. Each week, it seems, there are new opportunities, challenges and initiatives to consider. The Annual Report provides detail about some efforts, but there are many less visible. Here are a few of those other stories and recognition of some who have provided positive contributions.
The City
The Hook has been closed this winter for construction of a new sewer outfall. The City of Hood River has managed this challenging project well, and the contractor, Emery & Sons, has been stellar. The Port piggy-backed construction of a new path, seat wall and rigging area onto the City’s work. Users of the Hook should be pleased by the changes.
Youth Sailing
The Marina is increasingly becoming a hot spot for youth sailing. Jamie & Andy Mack (Gorge Junior Sailing), Lars Bergstrom (High School sailing team), and many at the Hood River Yacht Club have been passionate, positive leaders in this effort. Sailing is available to anyone, at little cost, and provides an exciting new focus of activity in the Marina. (Sign up for Gorge Junior Sailing through Community Ed.)
Airport Advisory Committee
There is a committee for nearly everything, but the volunteer AAC, chaired by Jeremy Young, is one that provides particular energy, expertise and leadership in enhancing our small aviation jewel, the Ken Jernstedt Airfield. The work of the AAC and the success of WAAAM are reasons why the FAA has allocated $3 million for upgrades in the next four years, and the Airport is in a positive position to receive another $1.3 million from the State.
OneGorge
We know that an effective way to advocate for legislation and projects that help the Gorge is to show collaboration and broad local support. And it’s most effective if public agencies and private businesses advocate together. OneGorge provides the platform. Thanks to over 100 entities that have signed up and aided this effort.
Elected Officials
The contribution by our state and federal elected officials over the past two years has been tremendous. Bottom line: The Nichols Basin path happened quickly because Rep. Walden and Sen. Merkley amended the federal WRRDA bill. Bridge replacement efforts were enhanced because elected officials from both states supported an amendment to the 2015 FAST Act. The bridge is FAST Act-eligible because State Rep. Johnson and Sen. Thomsen supported SB 1510. Well done.
Waterfront Safety
River rescues occur often in summer. The Hood River Sheriff’s Dept. and Marine Deputy Quintin Nelson do a great job with summer patrols of the waterfront. Their visibility increases safe boating behavior and they respond to a number of emergencies. But who most frequently responds when a kiter or windsurfer is in distress? Kiteboard schools, each with a wave runner and rescue protocols; and they are around most days in the summer.
David Meriwether
County Administrator Meriwether is retiring in June. I have rarely met a public official with his combination of common sense, smarts and good nature, or who has earned such high respect from his peers. He has done a lot for this community in deed and in tone. I will also miss his Arkansas humor.
Facilities Staff
Public works employees everywhere do remarkable work, often unnoticed – until a storm event or emergency occurs. The Port has eight employees who do a myriad of construction, repair and maintenance projects. The bridge is always a big focus. Painting the center line at 3:00 a.m.? Climbing the towers to change navigation lights? Overnight traffic control? Check. And many more. People say Port facilities have never looked better. They are the reason why.
There are other stories and many other individuals who have a positive impact on your port and deserve recognition. We hope to share more another day.
Lift Span repairs scheduled
A lift span inspection carried out on Nov. 20 resulted in damage to the bridge deck and span guides that must be repaired before the lift span can be raised safely. The USCG issued a Notice to Mariners about the lift span closure. Since the bridge crosses a federal waterway, the Port is obligated to take immediate and sustained actions to keep the lift span open.
HDR Engineering developed a plan to replace two damaged deck panels immediately north of the lift span as well as the two span guides, and share in the cost of repairs. The replacement deck panels have been fabricated at a cost of $13,260 and delivered, with installation to follow the repair of span guides.
Span guides are affixed to the lift span at a total of eight locations, four at each end, providing lateral stability as the span is raised. Two lower span guides on the south end were damaged and must be replaced. HDR recommended the new span guides be fabricated to include rollers to allow for smoother movement as the lift span is raised, which adds about $13,000 to the cost, but would result in smoother lift operations. Fabrication and installation of the improved span guides are estimated at $66,000.
The Port has ratified contracts for the repairs, with night work scheduled to meet commitments with the USCG for lift span operability.
Investigation continues into bridge allision
An insurance claim and supporting investigations continue for the Hood River Interstate Bridge allision, with the Port of Hood River devoting a significant amount of staff time and resources to assist in identifying the responsible party.
Port representatives believe the north lift span support of the bridge was struck by a barge tow last September, resulting in damage to the concrete pier and cable connection points of the lift span. To date, engineering evaluations, a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) investigation, and coordination with ACE, which provides insurance for the bridge, are either complete or underway.
HDR Engineering has evaluated apparent damage to the lift span and pier concrete, including a tower survey, evaluation of the lift span structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, and preparation of a Lift Span Assessment Report. Past inspections provide baseline comparisons of the bridge condition before and after the incident.
Key findings indicate there is concrete pier and lift span damage, the north tower is out of plumb, span guides are rubbing on guide rails, and there is socket slippage. Vibrations are severe at a full lift height.
David McCurry of HDR Engineering emphasized there is no danger for vehicular traffic on the bridge. Short-term actions include repair of skew controls, deck seating, expansion joint gap, span guide systems and monitoring tower alignment. Cost for these short-term actions range from $5,000-$80,000. McCurry also recommended replacement or rehabilitation of the wire ropes in the next two to five years, with an estimated to cost in the $800,000 to $1 million range.
ACE has assigned a subrogation team that includes a Portland adjustor and Seattle law and engineering firms to identify a party responsible for the damage. After contacting the USCG, the Port also took steps to aggressively pursue an investigation, retaining a law firm that hired a marine surveyor, accessed lock records, communicated with major Columbia River tow boat operators, and inspected some barges. Maritime traffic records have been obtained and closer scrutiny is underway in an attempt to identify the specific tow that may have impacted the bridge.
