Portland, Oregon, is celebrating a significant milestone as the Burnside Bridge, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, turns 100 years old. Officially opened on May 28, 1926, the bridge has been a critical transportation link across the Willamette River, facilitating the daily commute of approximately 35,000 travelers.
A Century of Service
The Burnside Bridge is not just a piece of infrastructure; it is a living part of Portland’s history. Inside one of its towers, operators like Jennifer Dubin continue the century-old tradition of monitoring traffic and lifting the bridge for marine vessels. Dubin describes the control area as cozy, accessed by a spiral staircase, and notes that opening and closing the bridge for river traffic typically takes between six and eight minutes.
Challenges of Maintenance
Jon Henrichsen, Director of the Multnomah County Transportation Division, emphasizes the bridge’s essential role in the city’s transportation network, stating, “It would be hard for the city to function without this bridge.” Having worked on the Burnside Bridge for over 30 years, Henrichsen acknowledges the challenges of maintaining such an old structure, particularly as parts age and older construction methods become obsolete.
Over the decades, the bridge has undergone significant changes. Originally, it included streetcars, electrified trolley lines, and six lanes of vehicle traffic. Today, it features bicycle lanes and a dedicated bus lane. Henrichsen played a key role in redesigning the bridge’s control system, transitioning from analog to digital operations.
Looking to the Future
Despite its age, the Burnside Bridge remains a well-built structure, thanks to the diligent care it has received over the years. County crews are optimistic that it will continue to serve Portland for many more decades. Henrichsen reflects on his work with a sense of pride, saying, “Taking care of the bridge, making sure it is functioning, and then the more you do that the more you feel, you know … I’m a part of this bridge, I’m part of its life.”
Original reporting: KGW Portland — read the source article.
