County approves two bridge projects

By Terry Murry on Thursday, April 21st, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

UMATILLA COUNTY – The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners took action on two bridge projects. Both bridges suffered flood damage.

The Nolin Bridge on Mac Hoke Road was determined to be structurally unsound and was closed the day that discovery was made in May 2021. The replacement will cost $1.6 million, but the Oregon Department of Transportation will help.

“An ODOT Immediate Opportunity Fund grant was approved,” Board Chairman John Shafer said. “The grant will pay for half of the cost.”

Shafer said the county also awarded a bid to remove the Thorn Hollow Bridge on the Umatilla Indian Reservation to Harry Johnson Plumbing and Excavation of Walla Walla with a bid of $569,999.40.

“Coincidentally, they’re the same company that did the Harris Park bridge replacement as well,” Shafer said.

Both of the bridge projects must wait until the in-water work window begins this summer.