Barton Bridge
Barton Bridge opened to the public on August 12.
Thanks to everyone for their patience and cooperation.
Since Barton Bridge was closed on June 29, the full containment structure has been completed and the sand blasting has begun. The following photos show the platform constructed to allow workers access to the bridge beams under the road, the scaffolding encompassing vertical bridge members, work inside the containment structure and the large amount of equipment needed to complete this project.
County to paint Barton Bridge this summer;
closure for up to 65 days begins Monday, June 29
This summer the Clackamas County Department of Transportation and Development will paint Barton Bridge. It has been 30 years since the bridge was painted and the old, lead-based paint is wearing away.
Painting is an important part of maintaining the structural integrity of the bridge as well as keeping it attractive. We will be painting the bridge, a new darker shade of green, as recommended by staff in our Parks Department.
In order to save both time and money, and to increase safety for the public and workers, the bridge will be completely closed for most of the summer while the painting is done. The closure will last no longer than 65 days. Signs will be posted with exact closing dates one to two weeks before the closure. The bridge will be open while school is still in session this spring and when school begins in the fall.
Frequently asked questions.
Q: What will be done?
A: Old paint on the Barton Bridge will be removed and the entire bridge will be repainted.
Q: When will the painting be done?
A: The painting will be done during summer 2009, after school is over in the spring and before it starts up again in the fall.
Q: Will this disrupt travel in the area?
A: Yes. The bridge will be closed to all traffic – vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians – for up to 65 days. If the project is finished more quickly, then we will open the bridge sooner.
Q: How will I know when the closing begins and how to get around it?
A: About two weeks before the date of the closing, we will post signs along the road with the closing date and detour information.
Q: Why do you have to close the bridge? Can’t you keep one lane open?
A: The paint now on the bridge is lead-based. When we blast off that paint, we must fully contain it to keep lead from getting into the atmosphere and the water. This and the repainting process will be safer, less expensive and quicker if the bridge is closed.
Q: Why bother to repaint the bridge?
A: It has been 30 years since the bridge was painted and the paint is wearing away. Painting is an important part of maintaining the structural integrity of the bridge as well as keeping it attractive. Without a new paint job, the bridge could deteriorate to the point that a full bridge replacement would be needed.
Q: What color paint are you using?
A: We’ll be using a darker shade of green, as recommended by our Parks Department.
Q: Why does painting the bridge take so long?
A: First, we have to fully enclose the bridge before we can even begin to remove the old paint. Then, there is a several-step process required to repaint the bridge to ensure that the paint holds up for as long as possible. The 65-day maximum closure is based on conversations with contractors; we hope the closure might be shorter. The 65-day maximum closure is based on conversations with contractors; we hope the closure might be shorter. An early completion financial incentive has been included in the contract to encourage the Contractor to complete the work as quickly as possible.
Q: Who can I call for more information?
A: Contact James Reese, Project Manager, at 503-742-4707 or jamesree@co.clackamas.or.us.
