Steel Bridge

Nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon, the Steel Bridge stands as a testament to the city's rich history and innovative spirit. This remarkable structure, with its unique double-deck design and vertical-lift capabilities, has been an integral part of Portland's landscape since it opened in 1912. With its ability to accommodate a variety of transportation modes, the Steel Bridge is not just a bridge, but a vital artery that connects the vibrant neighborhoods of the Rose Quarter and Lloyd District in the east to the historic Old Town Chinatown in the west.

A Historical Marvel

The Steel Bridge we see today replaced an earlier version built in 1888, which was the first railroad bridge across the Willamette River in Portland. The name Steel Bridge originates from the use of steel in its construction, a material choice that was quite pioneering at the time. Designed by the engineering firm Waddell & Harrington, the current bridge was constructed by Union Pacific Railroad and the Oregon-Washington Railroad and Navigation Company at a cost of $1.7 million, which is equivalent to about $54 million today.

The bridge's double-deck design was revolutionary. The lower deck was designed to carry railroad traffic, and later adapted to include bicycle and pedestrian pathways, while the upper deck was reserved for road traffic and, eventually, light rail. This design has made the Steel Bridge one of the most multimodal bridges in the world, catering to cars, buses, freight trains, Amtrak, MAX light rail, pedestrians, and bicycles.

Architectural and Engineering Feats

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Steel Bridge is its vertical-lift mechanism, which allows it to accommodate river traffic. The lift span of the bridge is 211 feet long, and when fully raised, it provides a vertical clearance of 163 feet. What sets this bridge apart is its independent lift system, which allows the lower deck to be raised without disturbing the upper deck. This ingenious design includes separate counterweights for each deck, totaling an impressive 9 million pounds.

The machinery house, perched atop the upper-deck lift truss, and the operator's room, suspended below, offer a commanding view of both river and road traffic. This setup ensures smooth operation and safety, even with the addition of a pedestrian walkway on the lower deck in 2001, which was part of the Eastbank Esplanade construction.

A Hub of Activity

The Steel Bridge is more than just a crossing point; it's a bustling hub of activity. On any given day, the bridge sees an average of 23,100 vehicles, 200 MAX trains, 40 freight and Amtrak trains, and 500 bicycles. The construction of the lower-deck walkway has significantly increased bicycle traffic, with over 2,100 daily crossings recorded in 2005. The addition of three more MAX lines since 2000 has tripled the number of daily light rail crossings, making the Steel Bridge a critical component of Portland's public transportation system.

In 2008, the upper deck was closed for three weeks to allow for the construction of a junction connecting the existing MAX tracks with a new line on the Portland Transit Mall. This project included a change that restricted the two inner lanes to MAX trains only, while cars, buses, and other motorized traffic were confined to the two outer lanes. Such adaptations highlight the bridge's ability to evolve with the city's growing transportation needs.

A Century of Service

In 2012, the Steel Bridge celebrated its 100th birthday, a milestone that underscored its enduring importance to Portland. Dubbed the hardest-working bridge on the Willamette River by The Oregonian, the Steel Bridge has indeed carried a diverse array of traffic throughout its century of service. From its early days of horse-drawn streetcars and the city's first electric streetcar line to its current role in supporting modern public transit and pedestrian pathways, the bridge has been a constant in an ever-changing urban landscape.

Throughout its history, the Steel Bridge has withstood numerous challenges, including major floods in 1948, 1964, and 1996. Its resilience and adaptability are testaments to the foresight of its designers and the dedication of those who have maintained it over the years.

Conclusion

The Steel Bridge is not just an engineering marvel; it's a symbol of Portland's commitment to innovation and connectivity. Its unique design, historical significance, and role in supporting a diverse range of transportation modes make it a must-see for visitors and a vital asset for residents. As you stroll across its walkways or ride the MAX light rail, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable history and enduring legacy of this iconic Portland landmark.