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About the Project

Learn more about the work we're doing!

During a major earthquake the two bridges that cross over the Willamette River in Salem are at risk of significant damage or worse. Of the two, Center Street Bridge is the better candidate to make earthquake ready.

We plan to do this work in two phases:

  • Phase 1: we'll make the sections of the bridge over the Willamette River and two of the ramps on the east side earthquake ready. We also plan to develop an emergency response plan that outlines the most efficient way to reconnect the west side of the bridge after a major seismic event.

  • Phase 2: when we have funding, we'll address the ramps on the west side of the river to make the connection earthquake ready.

project area map 

Learn more about the work we're doing and why by clicking on the titles below or the plus sign.

​In Phase 1 we are:

  • ​​Enlarging the bridge supports.
  • Strengthening the section over the river, the eastern side of OR 22 approaching the bridge and the ramp to southbound OR 99E.
  • Replacing and upgrading the existing City of Salem waterline that's attached to the bridge to make it more resilient. 

​Making the Center Street Bridge earthquake ready means that after a Cascadia ​Subduction zone level earthquake​, the bridge will have a better chance to remain standing. 

The bridge is an essential route between the communities west of the Willamette River and critical services to the east. This work will help maintain this important connection after a catastrophic earthquake. ​​​

​We plan to start construction in the summer of 2026. We anticipate completing the work by the end of 2029.


​As part of Phase 1, we're developing an emergency response plan. This plan will outline the steps needed to reconnect the west side of the bridge after a major seismic event if it occurs before Phase 2 is completed. 

The goal of the plan is to quickly reconnect West Salem and surrounding areas to downtown in weeks or months instead of years, with two-way traffic on the Center Street Bridge.

We'll work with our partners at the city and counties as we create the plan.​

​Before, during and after construction, there are many options available to help reduce congestion coming in and out of downtown Salem. 

  • ​Ride share with Get There | Visit GetThereConnect.com to learn about options for transit, sharing rides (carpooling or vanpooling), biking or walking. These options can help to reduce traffic congestion.
  • Bike or walk | Bicycle and pedestrian users will be accommodated through the construction zones, though the route may vary depending on construction activities.​

This year, we'll replace six worn out asphalt joint plugs on the Center Street Bridge. These joint plugs are the spaces between different sections of the bridge. They allow the bridge to expand and contract as the weather changes and they protect the metal connections between the bridges.

We installed these joints in 2016. They normally last for about eight years before needing to be replaced.

When work starts, you can expect:

  • Crews working at night.
  • Lane closures between 8 p.m. and  6 a.m. 
  • Construction noise and delays.

​We expect this work to take about six consecutive nights to complete. These six joints are not pa​rt of this project but will help keep the bridge in good working order before we return in 2026. 

We'll send out more information when we have a schedule – make sure you're signed up to get email updates from us!​​

Photo showing a bridge joint on the Center Street Bridge ​