Portland Water Works Bridge

My in-laws live about a mile or two from this site, so I will be up in the Sandy area in a week. I will try to stop by and get some "after" photos and maybe some new shots of the Lusted Road Bridge. It was pretty disheartening seeing the oldest serving bridge in Oregon dismantled. They did take care in dismantling the old bridge, so hopefully we will actually see it rebuilt near Kelly Point as planned.

Here is what's left at this scene:

http://www.portlandonline.com/water/index.cfm?a=322608&c=39678&blogstartrow=16&nocache=1

I am also concerned that with a move, the approach system would be discarded. While not as important as the main span, it is still an important and unusual part of the bridge.

Yes, and the dreaded "Location TBD" concerns me. I always favor leaving an historic bridge in place unless it is PROVEN not to be feasible. However, I feel a plan should be firmly in place before any move occurs.

I am concerned. In another area it talks about "removal" of the bridge? So what is going on here? This is an extremely rare bridge for which preservation (preferably in place) is essential. If they are relocating the pipes to a tunnel, it seems to me the bridge could just be left in place.

Beware bridges owned by non-transportation agencies. They tend to be even less aware than highway agencies to the importance and feasibility of historic bridge preservation. Michigan lost its only bedstead because it ended up being owned by the drain commission who wouldn't know a historic bridge if it collapsed on them.

Looks as though the Portland Water Bureau is planning on replacing this bridge with an underground pipe system. I truly hope the bridge is relocated as is stated in the project overview. This would make a fantastic pedestrian bridge, and give people a better chance to view this unique structure.