A project to replace the bridge over West Fork Dairy Creek just west of Banks city limits is expected to begin Monday, May 16, the city of Banks announced.
The project, located on the Oregon Department of Transportation-maintained Highway 47, is necessary due to the bridge’s poor condition, according to the project’s website.
“The existing bridge is currently more than 80 years old and its timber deck is in poor condition,” ODOT said.
The project will include replacing the timber bridge with a single-span bridge, channel realignment in West Fork Dairy Creek to prevent erosion, repaving the roadway, replacing guardrail and installing new striping and traffic signs.
Vegetation and boulders are expected to be added to the creek bank.
The project is expected to cost the state $8.7 million to complete.
Chas Hundley is the editor of the Banks Post and sister news publications the Gales Creek Journal and the Salmonberry Magazine. He grew up in Gales Creek and has a cat.