Tillamook County Lommen Bridge Replacement

Tillamook County hired Otak to design and construct a replacement for Lommen Bridge, which was considered the second most hazardous bridge in Oregon. The existing bridge was cracking and leaning, and at risk for collapse during an earthquake or tsunami. Yet the bridge served as a critical connector for the coastal area, so a lasting replacement was essential. The Otak team designed and built a new, three-span bridge next to the old one and kept traffic open at all times. As one of only two bridges in Oregon to use the latest seismic-resilient technology (lead-rubber seismic isolation bearings), the innovative project solved all of the County’s challenges while coming in under budget. To involve the community in the project, we used enhanced graphics from sophisticated hydraulic 2D modeling to explain the project's engineering design concepts. Sustainable elements like rain gardens, erosion control, and drainage features brought additional community benefits.