Semi trucks finally banned from 110 year old bridge after years of bridge strikes

Semi trucks are now banned from a 110 year old bridge in Oregon after years of bridge strikes causing damage. 

Multnomah County, Oregon closed the Start Street Bridge from the Historic Highway to trucks weighing more than 19 tons on Thursday, December 11th. The county is coordinating with the Oregon Department of Transportation to formally implement the restriction. 

The County is making this change after semi-trucks have repeatedly hit the bridge, frequently taking the turn onto the bridge too quickly,” said Multnomah County Transportation Division Director Jon Henrichsen. “These crashes often result in damage to the bridge or its approach.” 

According to Portland Tribune, the ban does not affect school uses or small delivery trucks. Any driver that violates the ban is subject to a fine and may be held liable for any damage caused to the bridge. Crews are still working to repair damage done to the bridge by the last bridge strike back in October.

The ultimate goal is to completely replace the 110 year old bridge. A potential replacement project is being evaluated, which would replace the bridge with a new structure that blends into the surrounding environment while meeting modern structural standards.