Multnomah County delays Burnside Bridge project to 2028

Multnomah County has announced a one-year delay in the construction of the Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge, moving the start date to 2028. This extension is attributed to significant uncertainty at the federal level impacting infrastructure projects nationwide, allowing the team to refine the design and explore potential cost-saving measures. The project, which has been in development for eight years, aims to replace the aging Burnside Bridge with a structure capable of withstanding a major earthquake from the Cascadia Subduction Zone. County officials stress the importance of the bridge as a 'lifeline route' for emergency responders and a critical infrastructure project for the region. Despite the delay, the county remains committed to the project, which is seen as vital for enhancing resilience and multi-modal transit options. Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson emphasized the long-term benefits of the bridge in relation to climate goals and community safety.