Projects

Sellwood Bridge Replacement

Sellwood Bridge Replacement

Portland, Oregon
United States
sellwood bridge

TYLin served as Prime Consultant for the Sellwood Bridge in Portland, Oregon.

The bridge replacement project includes the 1,773-foot-long steel deck arch bridge, modernization of the Highway 43 interchange, and stabilization of the hillside located to the west of and above the bridge and interchange. 

The Sellwood Bridge crosses the Willamette River and replaces a narrow, inefficient crossing built in 1925. When cracks were discovered in the aging bridge girder and attributed to a nearby hillside that was sliding into the river, a three-year planning process was launched to develop a replacement structure.  

TYLin served as the lead structural engineer during the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) Phase of the project. During this phase, the firm provided preliminary bridge engineering analysis and cost estimates to support the selection of a locally preferred alternative. 

TYLin then provided final main span structural design, along with roadway and traffic design support. As Project Manager, the TYLin team also oversaw the bridge,interchange, and landslide stabilization teams and performed construction engineering support. 

Project challenges included balancing bridge design aesthetics, extensive public input, and owner agency desires with cost and function, and accommodating future plans for streetcar routes through the project. 

The Sellwood Bridge carries two 12-foot-wide vehicular lanes, two 12-foot-wide shared use sidewalks, two 6.5-foot-wide bike lanes/emergency shoulders, multiple viewing areas, and a public art installation.  

Project Highlights: 

  • The fast-track project was delivered within a highly compressed timeframe. 

  • The bridge features three arches that support the 64-foot-wide deck of the main river spans.  

  • Sellwood Bridge was designed to meet the latest seismic engineering standards.  

  • The Sellwood Bridge Replacement Project is the first registered project in Oregon to receive Greenroads® certification. 

Services

Awards
Prize Bridge Award, Major Span, 2018
National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA)
Construction Risk Partners Build America Award, Best New Highway and Transportation Project, 2018
Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)
Outstanding Project Award, New Bridges and Transportation Structures, 2017
National Council of Structural Engineers Association (NCSEA)
National Honor Award, 2017
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
Project of the Year, 2017
American Council of Engineering Companies of Oregon (ACEC-OR)
People's Choice Award, 2017
American Council of Engineering Companies of Oregon (ACEC-OR)
Project of the Year, 2017
Daily Journal of Commerce