Oakridge wins $40,000 state grant for Salmon Creek Trestle Bridge feasibility study

By SUE CATHCART/For The Herald — The Oregon Recreation and Parks District (ORPD) has awarded the City of Oakridge a $40,000 grant that will fund a feasibility study for restoring the Salmon Creek Trestle Bridge for recreational use.

In a preliminary investigation conducted for the City of Oakridge in 2020, engineers determined that converting the bridge to recreational use was possible, but further investigation would be required. No longer suitable for commercial or industrial use, the best possible use for that bridge will be conversion for recreational use.

In addition to restoring a historical landmark and providing access to the beautiful Salmon Creek, converting the bridge for recreational use would connect Greenwaters Park and the Industrial Park areas to Salmon Creek Park and the Uptown commercial district. It would also provide a safe route connecting schools and neighborhoods to parks and trails.

The grant will fund a detailed engineering study that will determine the repairs required and the associated costs to convert the historic bridge for recreational use. It’s estimated to take up to one year to complete the study. Once the scope and the estimated price for restoration is determined, the volunteer Salmon Creek Trestle Bridge Committee will then begin the next step, searching and applying for grants to fund the construction.