
Joel Newman is a Senior Designer at Fat Pencil Studio
Multnomah County has convened a large group of stakeholders to weigh in on this important multi-year project. A feasibility study was completed last year. Fat Pencil Studio is part of the project team working to create a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). We developed a 3d model to help visualize the existing bridge and surrounding context, as well as preview the various replacement options being considered. You can learn more and send comments at the Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge web site.
The Burnside Bridge, looking east, as it exists today.
In one scenario, a replacement draw bridge is constructed with a similar alignment to the current bridge.
Another alternative involves a connection with Couch Street, one block north of Burnside.
The final alternative is a fixed bridge, built high enough to allow ships to pass underneath.
Part of what makes this project complex is how tightly knit into the city the existing bridge is: On the west side, the bridge approach rises from the historic Old Town neighborhood and crosses over a Max line, Naito Parkway, Saturday market and Tom McCall waterfront park. On the east, the bridge crosses the floating portion of the Esplanade multi-use path, then Interstate 5 and the Union Pacific railroad, before landing at MLK boulevard. We put many of these details into our model, including the Japanese American Historical Plaza, and the Burnside Skate Park.
The bridge, as seen from the Saturday Market plaza.
On the east side of the river, the bridge passes over the Esplanade pedestrian path, then Interstate 5, and the Union Pacific railroad – complicating design and construction for the retrofit or replacement bridges.
On the east side of the river, the bridge passes over the famous Burnside Skate park.
Joel Newman is a Senior Designer at Fat Pencil Studio