The long-running effort by the Oregon Department of Transportation to widen and seismically retrofit the I-205 Abernethy Bridge is encountering continued delays, pushing its expected completion further into 2027.
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The project, which connects West Linn and Oregon City across the Willamette River, began construction in 2022 and represents one of the most complex infrastructure upgrades in the state’s recent history.
While progress has been made, officials acknowledge that the schedule has slipped significantly. The project is currently more than 200 days behind its previously targeted October 2026 completion.
“Over the next several months, ODOT and the contractor will continue to look for ways to recover the schedule and report back to the OTC in June regarding the outcome of those efforts and the anticipated financial impact of delay to the current $672M construction authorization,” an OTC report said.
Despite delays, construction has reached approximately 70% completion. Over the past six months, crews have installed major structural elements, including overhead sign structures and new girders on the Oregon City side. Additional work has focused on reinforcing bridge piers, replacing bearings, and completing significant concrete operations.
Crews are also preparing the West Linn side for upcoming construction phases, which include further structural upgrades and preparations for one of the project’s most complex engineering tasks—bridge translation.
The next phase will focus on critical structural improvements and preparation for widening the bridge. This includes replacing bearings, strengthening supports, installing girders, and relocating utilities.
A major milestone ahead is the “bridge translation” process, where sections of the bridge will be shifted apart to create space for additional lanes. This work is currently planned for fall.
Drivers should expect continued disruptions, including nighttime lane closures, ramp restrictions, and periodic impacts on nearby roads. Larger closures—such as overnight shutdowns of OR 43 and weekend directional closures of the bridge—are expected later in the year.
Officials emphasize that the complexity of the project has contributed heavily to delays and cost pressures.
“This is the largest construction project ODOT has taken on in more than 45 years. Upgrading and strengthening an older interstate bridge to meet today’s earthquake standards is difficult work, complicated by the challenge of keeping I-205 open to thousands of travelers each day to get where they need to go through our construction zone.”
Unexpected conditions tied to the bridge’s age have required additional time and resources. These complications have pushed the contractor’s latest projected completion date to May 2027, beyond the previously extended October 21, 2026 deadline.
“Today the most recent accepted schedule from the contractor is showing completion in May 2027, and we are working closely with them to get the project done as quickly as possible.”
Beyond construction challenges, the Abernethy Bridge upgrade is considered a critical investment in regional infrastructure resilience. The retrofit aims to ensure the bridge can withstand seismic events while accommodating growing traffic demand along the I-205 corridor.
The project must also comply with strict environmental and operational constraints, including in-water work windows to protect fish populations and limits on traffic disruptions.
“That said, the work must be completed within strict limits, including honoring in-water work windows to protect fish and limiting lane closures and restrictions consistent with the contract to keep traffic moving to the extent possible while the work is getting done.”
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Despite setbacks, officials remain focused on delivering a modernized, seismically resilient bridge.
“ODOT looks forward to completing this seismically resilient lifeline bridge next year and will continue to focus on minimizing delays and impacts to Oregon taxpayers.”
Projects like the Abernethy Bridge upgrade reflect a broader national push to modernize aging infrastructure, particularly in seismically active regions. Retrofitting existing bridges—rather than replacing them entirely—requires intricate engineering, phased construction, and continuous traffic management, all of which increase project complexity.
The use of advanced construction techniques such as bridge translation highlights how agencies are balancing infrastructure expansion with minimal disruption. However, these methods often carry higher risks of delays when unforeseen structural conditions arise.
With funding already nearing its allocated limits, future cost adjustments may be required depending on how effectively project teams can recover lost time in the coming months.
Originally reported by Corey Buchanan in Your Oregon News.
