Fieldwork

Image of crew preparing drilled shaft and driven pile equipment

Crews prepare test pile for installation March 28, 2012

Image of I-5 bridge lift and barge passing

Interstate Bridge lifted for Columbia River barge traffic.

Image of crews collecting soil information

Crews collecting information about soil
structure and stability along the I-5.

Drilled Shaft and Driven Pile Test Project Underway

A pre-construction test has started for the Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project. Driven pile testing is currently underway near the ODOT permit center on Hayden Island. Drilled shaft testing will begin in May at the same location. Crews will begin drilled shaft testing in Vancouver west of the I-5 bridge at SE Columbia Way and West 3rd Street starting in May. Pile driving will not occur in Vancouver. The drilled shaft and driven pile test project will help CRC engineers evaluate the strength and stability of the soil as well as construction techniques for support structures for the replacement I-5 bridge. Construction noise and vibration effects at nearby residences and businesses also will be evaluated.

The project will be completed by summer 2012. More information can be found online.

Please note: scheduled dates and times are subject to change.

CRC collecting data on navigation clearance needs for Interstate Bridge and North Portland Harbor

The Columbia River Crossing project is collecting marine navigation user data for the Columbia River and North Portland Harbor in early 2012. This information will be provided to the U.S. Coast Guard as part of an application to receive a bridge permit. Individuals interested in providing information related to needed clearances and frequencies of trips may email feedback@columbiarivercrossing.org and reference “navigation user data collection.”

Land Surveys

The project is conducting several surveys at locations along the I-5 corridor, focusing on areas within the highway right of way. Crews are collecting information about soil structure and stability and the location of underground utilities. Information provided by the surveys will be used in the next steps of the design process.

Crews are using techniques to minimize disturbance to vegetation. In some areas, brush and trees will be trimmed to allow access to boring sites. Standard erosion controls will be used. Right-of-entry permits are obtained from all private property owners before current and future investigations can take place on any non-government owned land. Additionally, all property owners are notified 48 hours in advance of work that is to occur on their property.

If you have questions or concerns, please call the project office at 866-396-2726.