| Press Release |
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| August 30, 2007 |
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Governor Kulongoski Receives Report on Oregon Bridges
Report shows no immediate safety concerns; Governor commits to continued and new investments in transportation statewide
Salem – Governor Kulongoski today received the final report from the Oregon Department of Transportation on the condition of steel-truss bridges in Oregon similar in construction to the bridge that collapsed in Minnesota. The Governor called for inspections of all 46 steel deck truss bridges in Oregon after the collapse earlier this month. The report shows that there are no immediate safety issues.
“I appreciate the expediency from the Department of Transportation to complete these inspections thoroughly and in a timely manner,” Governor Kulongoski said. “And I am pleased to report that Oregonians can be assured now that there are no immediate safety issues with Oregon’s steel-truss bridges.”
The Governor called on the Department of Transportation earlier this month to complete inspections of all steel deck truss bridges in Oregon and report on their current condition. While many of the bridges will require repair in the future, no bridge was found to be an immediate danger to the public.
The Governor highlighted that Oregon has been working for three years to make improvements to more than 500 bridges across the state as part of the Oregon Transportation Investment Act III (OTIA III), which the Governor and legislature enacted in 2003.
“Oregon is ahead of the curve on bridge maintenance and our state’s bridge inspection program exceeds national standards,” the Governor said. “Additionally, we passed the Oregon Transportation Investment Act III, which will result in the repair and modernization of bridges statewide in order to strengthen both public safety and commerce mobility.”
The OTIA III State bridge program is a ten year project that will run through 2013, which dedicated $1.3 billion to state bridges and $300 million for city and county bridges. Since its enactment, ODOT has repaired or replaced 69 state bridges that had or would have had weight restrictions without action, and another 80 are under construction. Most other bridges are in the design phase prior to construction. OTIA III also funded repairs to 141 bridges on the local system, 29 of which are complete with many others under construction this summer.
The Governor closed his remarks with a call for continued and greater investment in a comprehensive statewide transportation plan.
“We have three challenges before us,” the Governor said. “First, we must identify the needs of a transportation system that meets the demands of a 21st century economy. Second, we must do so in a way that complements our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. Third, as we turn more and more to alternate modes of transportation – and less on fuel-run vehicles – we must also explore alternative ways to fund our transportation system in a way that is sustainable for the long-term.”
The Governor, joined by legislators, transportation officials and city and county officials committed to working with stakeholders to develop a plan that meets the transportation needs of the state for the 2009 legislative session.
“Oregon cannot afford to play catch-up when it comes to our transportation infrastructure,” the Governor continued. “Oregon’s economic vitality depends on our efficient and reliable trade and transportation – not only for today but for our economic stability in the future.”
For a copy of the final bridge report, go to: http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/pdf/bridge.pdf
Contacts:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
Kristina Edmunson, 503-378-5040
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