ODOT release – Waldport — New containment measures to better protect the environment have been put in place at the McKinney Slough Bridge construction project, 1.5 miles east of Waldport. The additional measures follow the failure of a construction containment form and the release of about five cubic yards of low-density concrete on December 15. Concrete pours continue, as weather allows, to build a new bridge over the slough. Measures in place include: Pouring a “curb” against the edge of the construction containment form and letting it partially harden before finishing. This seals the edge of the form as more concrete is poured. Strengthening the forms with wire and wooden bracing. Adding a floating boom in the water. Adding a silt fence to a nearby ditch. Continuing to use metal sheets below the forms for secondary containment. Specific containment measures used may change as construction continues to ensure the most effective methods are in place when necessary and discontinued when no longer needed. We take our impact to the surrounding environment very seriously as we work to provide a safe and reliable transportation system, and continue working with our liaisons from other state and federal agencies to ensure that we have met the necessary reporting and mitigation required by our permits and clearances for this project. The OR 34 McKinney Slough Bridge, built in 1957, is being replaced with a new wider and longer structure that will be able to withstand a large earthquake. The new bridge is being constructed one half at a time. Crews are currently working on the south half of the new bridge. Traffic is restricted to one lane, controlled by a signal or flaggers at all times. Construction on the $5,430,550 project began at the end of October and will continue through October 2019. Project information is available at: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/projects/pages/project-details.aspx?project=19206
