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Project-Details







OR 34: Van Buren Bridge Project

Construction Phase

Region 2: Willamette Valley and Northwest Oregon (Corvallis, Benton, Linn)


​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This project aims to ensure a safe and earthquake-ready bridge over the Willamette River on eastbound OR 34.​​​​

Banner: Slow down, in the work zone it could save lives. Building a modern transportation system to help Oregon’s communities and economy thrive. During construction, Give yourself more time, try a new way or mode to get there or take a different route.

Impacts

Traffic Impact

Plan ahead – one lane of traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists will move onto the new Van Buren Bridge the week of July 28.

Construction Impacts

The week of July 28 we'll hold traffic for a few minutes on Van Buren Avenue so we can move barrels before opening one lane of traffic on the new bridge. 

The pedestrian and bicycle path will open, but please use caution – we're continuing to work on the east side of the path.

You can expect:

  • Crews working during the day or night. 
  • Construction noise. 
  • ​An alternate route for pedestrians​ while the sidewalk is closed on NW Van Buren Avenue.
  • No access to the north side of NW 1st Street from NW Van Buren Avenue.
  • Drivers can turn right on NW 1st Street from NW Van Buren Avenue. 
  • Businesses in the area to remain open.
Bikes and Pedestrians

The bike and pedestrian path under the bridge on both the east and west sides are closed. These paths will remain closed for the duration of the project. 

The temporary detour bridge includes a separated path shared by pedestrian and bicyclists. This path is now open and is new alternate path to get across the river.

For people biking, walking or rolling from south Corvallis, follow the signed detour to get onto the new path. This detour includes crossing NW Van Buren Avenue at the temporary traffic signal. ​

River Access

The river channel is marked with buoy lines and signs directing river users where to go.

Construction Activities

We're ready to move pedestrians, bicyclists and one lane of traffic onto the new Van Buren Bridge. Slow down and watch for workers – you'll be sharing the bridge alongside our crews. 

Next steps, we'll continue working on the new bridge and will start taking down the temporary detour bridge.​

Visit TripCheck​ for the most current traffic information.​


​Pedestrians, including those with disabilities, will have access through or around work zones. ​


work zone construction iconPay attention in the work zone, slow down and move over – imagine this is where you work! 

Always drive safely, watch for construction signs and workers. 

Remember: fines double in all Oregon work zones, whether workers and signs are present or not. ​

Details

About

Frequently Asked Questions IconThe existing Van Buren Bridge was considered seismically vulnerable, and is being removed and replaced. The bridge was a ​bottleneck​ to travelers and freight as it was narrow, had low clearance, and was weight restricted.

The new earthquake ready bridge will be built in the existing location, and will include two eastbound travel lanes, a bike lane, and a protected bicycle and pedestrian path. There will also be improvements to the intersection of Van Buren Avenue and NW First Street, where a new signal will replace the current flashing yellow pedestrian crossing light. 

​If you are having issues opening the sections below, try using the Chrome browser.​

1979-1983:
An Environmental Impact Statement was completed to consider an alternate route for traffic to bypass the central business area of Corvallis.

2004:
Previous plans to study bridge options were revived.

2005:
An Environmental Baseline Report was completed to help determine requirements for the new Van Buren Bridge. A Bridge and Roadway Alternatives Report was also completed to study design options for locating a new Van Buren Bridge.

2006-2007:
Design options included a new bridge parallel to the existing bridge, a curved bridge between the old bridge and the Harrison Street Bridge and a bypass north to connect with OR 99W. No funding was available.

2008-2009:
An Existing Traffic Conditions Report was completed and focused on conducting additional traffic studies.

2017:
The State Legislature’s passage of House Bill 2017 provided more bridge funding and project planning resumed.

What has been done?

Design and Project Development Activities

  • Design firm contracted and project kicked off in early 2019.​
  • Project development team began design, concept development and public engagement.
  • Right of way phase began in late Summer of 2020.
  • Cultural Resource work started in 2019.
  • Permits, applications, drafts and submittals.​ ​

Where we are at now:

The project is under construction, the contract was awarded to Hamilton Construction.  

We engaged with key interested parties and the community to get feedback on the design of the bridge, to help determine the mitigation measures and to better understand the impacts that would occur during construction. We held in person and online open houses, sent out several community wide postcards and mailers, with project alerts via emails and social media, held one on one meetings with businesses and property owners who will be directly affected by the project, and continue to have on-going conversations with City Staff and community partners during construction.

Past outreach and events:

  • June 21 –​ July 5, 2019 | Online Open House.
  • June 27, 2019 | Open House | Summary.
  • January 12, 2020 | Tabling event at Corvallis-Benton County Public Library.
  • January 16 – February 9, 2020 | On​line Open House.
  • January 16, 2020 | In-person Open House 
  • March – August, 2020 | Bridge Advertisement.

  • Summer 2019 – Summer 2021 | Section 106 Consulting Party Outreach.
  • Summer 2019 – Current | Partner and Cultural Resource Outreach (35+ events to date).
  • July 27 – August 17, 2020 | Cultural Resources Online Open House.
  • June 2 – 18, 2021 | Cultural Resources and Finding of Effects Online Open House​.
  • April 18 - May​ 2​ | Spring 2022 Online Open House 
  • 2024 Construction​ Online Open House.
  • Construction outreach: Canvassing of downtown businesses, participated in several farmer's markets, presentations to several community and business groups. ​​
  • February 11 - March 2, 2025 | Van Buren Interpretive Display Outreach.
  • February 26, 2025 | Van Buren Interpretive Display​ In-Person Event at the Corvallis Museum​.

Schedule​

​Project Development: 2019-2022
Construction started in May 2023 and is estimated to complete in 2026.
Schedules may change as the project constructs.

Location

OR 34

Cost and Funding

Design and construction​: $85,442,844


​Transportation funding in Oregon

While the funding crisis is having a profound effect on ODOT’s maintenance and operations, most construction projects will continue as planned. These projects are typically funded through separate capital programs, often with state or federal funds that are legally restricted to project development and cannot be redirected for maintenance or day-to-day operations.

​Delays may still occur due to a reduced workforce. Fewer available staff for traffic control, inspections and project oversight could slow down timelines or introduce challenges in project delivery. 

For more information on ODOT’s funding crisis, visit our website​.​

Contacts & Media

Aerial rendering of new bridge

Videos


View on YouTube

Image Gallery

Project Contacts

Community Affairs
Region 2 Communications
Email
Region2comms@odot.oregon.gov

Public Information Officer
Mindy McCartt
Email
mindy.m.mccartt@odot.oregon.gov
Phone
503-507-6045

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Last Updated

7/29/2025 9:47 AM

Project Number

20688