Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1915-10-18
Proposed Structure to Cross
at Salem to Cost About
$235,OOO
LOW ROAD GRADE AND
DIRECT LIFT PLANNED
Seventy Per Cent Of Original
Cost Would Remain Within
Two Counties

Proposing a structure which will util-
ize as far as possible local materials
and local labor, but which win provide
a bridge heavy enough TO accommodate
interurban traffic for years to come,
Assistant Engineer II. ", Holmes, head
of the bridge department. of the state
highway engineers office, presented
his plans to the Marion county court
this afternoon for q. bridge across the
Willamette river at this city. The struc-
ture as proposed viii be Of the over.
head reinforced concrete type with the
deck hung from the arches instead of
being placed above them. This will en-
able the engineers to construct bridge
at particularly low grade across the
river and win eliminate the climb which
is feature of the present steel bridge.
1t will consist Of four concrete arch
spans 1853 feet from center to center OF
the piers; one movable span 100 feet
long across the river channel; five con-
crete arch spans "a feet long and an
earth filled approach.
"In general, IL may be said that "
type Of structure as proposed is the re-
suit Of an effort TO cevelop design
that would not only prove economical
and practical from q construction
standpoint but would, at the same time,
present u pleasing appearance from an
aesthetic viewpoint, with the desirable
features OF utilizing, as far as possible,
available local materials and local lab
or. II is safe to say rnat 40 per cent
OF the cost of the entire structure will
remain within the counties involved, ~
was the statement Of Mr. Holmes in
outlining his proposed plan before the
county court this afternoon.
The bridge as planned will cost ap.
proximntely $295,000, which Ia a liberal
estimate aud any alterations that might
be made will tend to reduce the cost.
The estimate given covers every pos
sible excess expense and provides for
any of the approved types OF movable
spans across the channel. The type OF
movable span proposed is the Strauss
direct lift type which has proven satis-
factory in the past and harmonizes vii
the design Of the structure.
The bridge deck IL 81 feet wide from
curb to curb and has two six'foot walks
at the sides and Is 1850 feet over all
with the concrete approaches but ex'
elusive Of the dirt filled approaches II
will bear the addition Of street ear
track and the attendant increased traf-
fic and at the same time provide for
plenty Of room for vehicles.
The plan Of the bridge department
M proposed submitted the county cour'
this afternoon and taken under advise
mcnt by this body pending tho report
Of the engineers who are making a
physical examination Of the bridge al
present across the river. The present
steel structure was condemned in 1912
and has been considered dangerous for
years and the Marion county court IL
strongly in favor or the erection of a
new structure. II Is necessary how.
ever, that the Polk county court be won
over before the bridge can be erected
Jointly by the two counties The Polk
county court last year appeared TO be
favorable 10 new structure and the
attendant expense TO the county but
this year il IL rumored that Judge Tea
has had a change Of heart and II III,
bridge is not provided for this year i
is stated that II will be due to tb,
stand Of our ncighboring county court