Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) briefed the City Council on plans to provide major improvements to the Center Street Bridge to make it safer in an earthquake. The bridges at Marion and Center streets are the only Willamette River crossings in the Salem Area. Both have been identified as vulnerable after a major quake and would take years to repair.
ODOT determined that upgrading the Marion Street Bridge is not cost-effective due to its age and condition. The Center Street Bridge Complex is in better condition.
Bid opening for the project is scheduled for January 2026. Construction is expected to require three or four summer seasons to complete.
