French Prairie Bridge Project Task Force Recommends Suspension Bridge Type

October 25, 2019 - At their meeting in mid-2019, the French Prairie Bridge Task Force unanimously recommended that the Wilsonville City Council and the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners select the suspension bridge type as the preferred bridge type for the proposed French Prairie Bridge.

At the meeting, the Task Force considered two bridge types – a suspension bridge and a cable-stayed bridge. Both of these “signature bridge types” were previously identified by the Task Force for their aesthetic qualities and lower environmental impacts compared to three other bridge types studied.

After discussing the cost estimates, seismic resiliency, aesthetic values, and impact to the river, the Task Force concluded that the suspension bridge type was a better fit for the project. In late 2019, the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners and the Wilsonville City Council will each consider this recommendation and whether to approve it.

The proposed French Prairie Bridge over the Willamette River would serve pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency responders when I-5 is congested. The project fills a critical gap in local and regional multi-modal transportation infrastructure, connecting the Portland Metro Area’s Ice Age Tonquin Trail with the northern portion of the Willamette Valley, known as the French Prairie region, and the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway that goes to Eugene.

For more information, contact Zach Weigel, Capital Projects Engineering Manager, at 503.570.1565; weigel@ci.wilsonville.or.us.