| OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program |
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| Web Brief (Feb 08) |
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Region 3 has assumed work on the Coquille River Bridge
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Balancing act
Region 3, Region 5 and the Major Projects Branch partner to redistribute projects and capitalize on local expertise
Like a Cirque du Soleil routine, managing ODOT’s workload takes balance and flexibility.
Recent reductions in the STIP eliminated nearly $16 million in modernization projects from Regions 3 and 5, leaving regional design, construction and project management staff with availability for work. These modernization projects were slated to begin design in 2008, with construction planned through 2011.
Simultaneously, the Major Projects Branch was preparing for one of the busiest construction seasons in the life of the 10-year OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program, with 60 bridges slated to begin construction in 2008.
Together, Regions 3 and 5 and the Major Projects Branch developed a solution to capitalize on the availability and expertise in the regions by shifting six bridge program bundles to region management.
“As the bridge program progresses, we’re adapting to changes in timetables and resources,” said Tom Lauer, manager of the Major Projects Branch. “We regularly partner with the regions on bridge program projects because it ensures that we’re using all of ODOT’s staff efficiently.”
Solid relationships with community stakeholders made Region 3 Technical Center staff a logical choice for the repair of two Interstate 5 bridges near Winchester. These relationships proved vital during the repair of a nearby bridge on Oregon 99. To mitigate the impact of that work on residents, region staff coordinated the move of a fire station to the other side of the river to ensure adequate emergency response and included coupons for affected businesses in a project newsletter to encourage patronage to the merchants in spite of necessary rerouting.
Region 3 will also take over the repair of eight bridges on Highway 42 near Myrtle Point and Coquille and one replacement and one repair project on I-5 outside Ashland. Near Roseburg, Region 3 will now manage the repair of three Oregon 138 bridges and the replacement of one structure on Oregon 230.
“The bridges we are designing affect two national forests, the Umpqua and the Rogue, and even though they’re run by the same federal agency, they have different priorities and requirements,” said John Vial, then district manager for Region 3. “Relationships are what make these projects work, and we have been working with staff in the Umpqua and Rogue forests for a number of years.”
In Region 5, transferring the design and construction of one repair and two replacement bridges on the Wallowa Lake Highway to region management will build upon already well-established relationships between Technical Center staff and the community of Elgin. Region staff will work with members of the community to get their ideas on how to work on the bridges in a way that has the least negative economic impact.
“We’re looking forward to all the upcoming bridge program work, especially some of the more challenging projects,” said Monte Grove, Region 5 manager. “One of the bridge replacements on Wallowa Lake Highway outside Elgin spans a river, goes over a railroad and will require a detour structure—it’ll be an exciting project for our team.”
Region 5 will also be managing the construction of 10 other bridge program repair projects between Fossil and John Day near the Idaho border—locations that Grove says are remote even by eastern Oregon standards.
“Integrating the Major Projects Branch with the region staff allows us to balance the workload and make the best use of both groups,” Lauer said. “The regions allow us to connect with local people and interests on the ground in every area of the state.”
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