Springwater Corridor bridge a boon for Johnson Creek fish

Portland Parks & Recreation to post detours after trail closes in mid-May to replace 1900s railroad span.

A repair-and-replace project will change how Springwater Corridor users get over the water — and how fish swim through down below.

Portland Parks & Recreation plans to completely replace the original wooden trestle bridge, which once ferried train commuters along the Springwater Division Line in the 1900s, near the Southeast 45th Avenue and Johnson Creek Boulevard trailhead.

The current span, known as Bridge 48, is supported by concrete footings submerged in Johnson Creek. Officials say the pillars impede fish traffic and accumulate debris.

A new steel-and-concrete crossing with a $2,348,830 price tag will be constructed using money from the $68 million Parks Replacement Bond passed by voters in 2014.

Mark Ross, a bureau spokesman, says that dollar amount will cover "hard/soft costs, design, public involvement and communications, project management, construction, permitting, bridge materials and contingencies."

Officials say the Springwater Trail will be temporarily closed between Southeast 45th and 55th avenues after construction begins in mid-May. A detour route will be in place until the work wraps in November.

Bridge 140

Parks officials are also planning to replace the decking on the 114-foot bridge across Johnson Creek near Southeast Circle Avenue.

The western half of the span was replaced with steel in 2006 due to deterioration, but officials say the decking must be replaced with asphalt because the wood is "slippery, uneven, and has large gaps."

Parts of the bridge, No. 140, will be salvaged and re-installed by a contractor. Construction will last six to eight weeks after beginning in mid-May. The trail will be closed between Circle Avenue and 174th Avenue during the work period.

This project, also funded by the 2014 bond, is priced at $640,000. A detour route will be posted.