We'll update this open house and the FAQs if plans change or more detailed information is available.
You can visit the project webpage or sign up for emails to stay informed on any major project changes.Accessibility and Language Options (Opens in a new window)
Click the "+" to expand the section.
The existing Van Buren Bridge likely wouldn't withstand an earthquake event and is a bottleneck to travelers and freight leaving Corvallis.
The bridge is narrow, has low clearance and is in poor condition. The bridge is currently weight restricted to 12 tons.
As part of this project, we'll remove the existing bridge and replace it with one that's earthquake ready. We'll also make intersection improvements and rebuild NW Van Buren Avenue between NW 2nd and NW 1st Streets.
We'll build the new bridge in the existing location. The new bridge will have two eastbound travel lanes, a bike lane and a protected bicycle and pedestrian path. You can get an idea of what the new bridge may look like by watching this video.
Each step of construction will take place over several years, we estimate completing by the end of 2026. We'll update the project webpage and send out email updates as we move through the stages or if there are any major changes.
Learn more about each stage of construction and the potential impacts by clicking on the orange tabs below.
Work being done:
Impacts while the two bridges are being constructed:
Click the next orange tab above to see the impacts during the bridge removal.
Work being done:
Impacts during the structure removal include:
Click the next orange tab above to see the impacts during construction of the new bridge.
Work being done:
Impacts while the new bridge is being built:
Click the next orange tab above to see the impacts during removal of the temporary detour and work bridges.
Work being done:
Impacts while the bridges are being removed:
Click the next orange tab above to see the impacts of the work in downtown Corvallis and at the OR 34 bypass.
Work being done:
Impacts during the other improvement work will include:
Click on each section below to learn more.
Businesses downtown will remain open and we'll maintain access to them during construction.
We will maintain access across the river throughout construction.
See the interactive map below to view the alternate routes during the various stages of construction.
Whether the identified bike route is on the existing, temporary or new bridge, bicyclists have the option to either use the path or the travel lane.
Pedestrian access and routes may change at different times depending on what work we're doing.
The interactive map below shows the alternate routes for bikes and pedestrians at different stages of construction. Sign up for project alerts to stay informed on the upcoming stages and impacts.
We've done our best to limit traffic impacts in the downtown area. During construction, we'll maintain one eastbound lane across the river.
There may be times when we need to move large equipment and materials in and out of the construction staging areas, which could cause short delays.
When we're rebuilding NW Van Buren Avenue or working on curb ramps, expect shoulder and lane closures. You can check out the staging map on the previous station for details and impacts.
If you're taking the bus, plan ahead and give yourself extra time. There aren't any bus stops in the project area and we don't expect many traffic impacts.
Buses that have routes near the project area may experience slight delays.
We'll maintain a 40 foot channel under the work zone for river users. The channel may shift during different stages, but we'll mark where you can go under the bridge.
Learn more about the changes in pedestrian and bike access during construction by clicking on the orange tabs below.
The bike and pedestrian paths directly under the Van Buren Bridge will close during construction and reopen afterward. People biking or walking can continue to use the existing bridge to cross the river.
Westside: With the path under the Van Buren Bridge closed, people can use the crosswalks at NW 1st Street and NW Van Buren Avenue then continue on NW 1st Street under the NW Harrison Bridge to cross back to the riverfront path.
Eastside: With the path under the Van Buren Bridge by the contractor's staging area closed, people can use the crosswalk at the OR 34 bypass intersection to cross.
When we remove the existing bridge and build the new one, vehicles, bikes and pedestrians will use the new temporary detour bridge to cross the river. The six foot temporary bridge path will tie into the existing park paths on both sides of the river.
Westside: Path users can either connect with the riverfront park path or continue straight and cross at NW 1st Street.
Eastside: Path users will go underneath the NW Harrison Bridge to connect to the existing walking path.
One lane of traffic, bikes and pedestrians will shift to the new bridge to cross the river while the temporary detour and work bridges are removed. The paths under the Van Buren Bridge on both sides will remain closed during construction and reopen afterward.
Westside: With the path under the Van Buren Bridge closed, people can use the crosswalks at NW 1st Street and NW Van Buren Avenue then continue on NW 1st Street under the NW Harrison Bridge to cross back to the riverfront path.
Eastside: With the east side path under the bridge closed, people wanting to cross OR 34 will need to use the crosswalk at the OR 34 bypass intersection.
The contractor will complete this work at different times over the next several years. See what the pedestrian and bicyclist routes will look like when we're building the curb ramps by checking the boxes below.
Note: uncheck the box to view the next path. To clear all, check and uncheck the "turn on and off all paths" box.
Please note, these are renderings. The actual locations may vary.
Click on the questions below to expand the information and learn more.
This construction project will take multiple years to complete.
If there aren't any complications, we estimate completing the work by the end of 2026. We'll update the community as construction progress on the project webpage.
Building the temporary detour, work and new bridges will require the contractor to have access to the construction areas and room to store equipment and materials. For this to happen, we'll have staging areas on each side of the river where trees will need to be removed. We have plans, approved by the urban forester, to replant trees in the impacted areas.
One of the most visible trees being removed is to the south of the entrance to the bridge, a Big Leaf Maple tree. We're working with the city and they have plans to repurpose this tree.
No. The temporary detour bridge can be used by all width appropriate traffic, including freight that currently needs to travel out of direction.
Last year, we engaged with the community to come up with potential design elements we can incorporate into the final bridge. The community prefers a combination of the native plants and tribal connections of the Willamette Valley themes for the potential concrete panels on the new bridge walkway. We're currently working to create durable versions of the graphics that can be cast into the concrete panels.
As part of our historical review process, we've been working with members of the community to determine ways to commemorate the existing bridge and address other impacts on the surrounding area.
We have several efforts underway as part of this work. For instance, we'll work with our partners at Oregon State University to capture video and make a 3D model of the bridge to use in future videos. We're also planning to keep the turning mechanism and two sections of the pony truss panels for future exhibits.
These are just a couple of the things we've planned. We have a few years while the project is under construction to finalize what we're doing. Sign up for project alerts to get updates on our progress.
Yes. We'll maintain bike and pedestrian access across the river at all times during construction. Check out the impacts section called "What to Expect" of this open house to view the paths available during the different stages of construction.
To start, the construction crews are planning to work 10 hour days, six days a week between 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. We're planning to build the temporary detour and work bridges at the same time to expedite construction. This will help reduce the duration of time when the construction noise is the loudest.
We expect most of the work to occur during the day, but there are a limited number of nights allowed during construction for night work. Usually, nighttime work is for activities that might be too impactful to traffic if done during the day.
Sign up for project alerts to stay informed on the latest schedule and work updates.
We're trying to minimize impacts on parking in the downtown area during construction. When traffic is moved onto the temporary detour bridge, the new access point will change the flow of traffic at the intersection of NW Van Buren Avenue and NW 1st Street. We'll restrict NW 1st Street to the south from NW Van Buren Avenue to NW Jackson Avenue to one direction of traffic and temporarily restripe the parking spots for that direction of travel.
On NW 1st Street, north of NW Van Buren Avenue, we'll periodically need to use several parking spots for deliveries and other construction activities.
We'll remove 10 parking spaces permanently. We'll remove eight spaces along NW Van Buren Avenue between NW 2nd and NW 1st Streets to make room for the new separated bike lane and remove two spaces on NW 1st Street.
Yes, our plans don't impact or restrict access to the public restroom.
Construction may impact some of the parking available on NW 1st Street, between NW Van Buren Avenue to NW Jackson Avenue, during market hours.
We're working with our partners to promote other ways to get to the market and to the businesses downtown.
We'll start by building a temporary detour bridge that the community can use to travel eastbound while the new, permanent bridge is being built. We'll also build a work bridge alongside the existing bridge for the contractor to use as they remove the existing bridge and construct the new bridge.
When traffic is shifted onto the temporary detour bridge, we'll restrict NW 1st Street to one way traffic, for one block in each direction. You will not be able to access NW Van Buren Avenue from NW 1st Street.
We'll work with the contractor to open NW 1st Street to two way traffic as soon as possible, keeping in mind construction work zone needs, workers and general public safety.
How it will work:
Click on the image to enlarge
During the Corvallis Albany Farmers Market access to the parking spaces between NW Van Buren Avenue and NW Jackson Avenue may change.
You can always learn more about the project, find out about upcoming events and stay connected by visiting the project webpage.
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