Bridge to Jefferson closed

The Conser Bridge that leads to Jefferson was closed just after noon on Friday when damage was discovered on the west end of the concrete structure. According to ODOT officials, a local resident reported a sharp bump in the westbound lane. The bridge was then closed to all except pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycles. Once ODOT began their survey of the damage, the bridge was closed to all traffic.
Built in 1933, the bridge has served Jefferson and the surrounding areas as the quickest route to Albany and to Interstate 5. Now, it appears people will need to find an alternate route for at least the near future. Jim Squire, ODOT's District 4 Maintenance and Operations Manager, said the bridge will remain closed until it is determined to be safe for all traffic. A piece of rebar inside one of the stringers that holds the overhead arch in place broke, causing the beam underneath the bridge to begin to sag. Hamilton Bridge Construction was contacted to jack the beam up in an attempt to stabilize the concrete structure. A bridge engineer was expected to inspect the bridge on Saturday.
Meanwhile, traffic is being rerouted either north toward the Talbot Road interchange or to the North Jefferson exit to Interstate 5 or through Scio. Squire said ODOT will work closely with the communities affected by the closure. He also said that ODOT will inspect the bridge completely to make sure that it is structurally sound. "We will be looking at all components before we open this bridge back up," he said Friday evening.

The westbound lane on the west end of the Conser Bridge leading to Jefferson had  dropped well over two inches when the Oregon Department of Transportation closed the bridge for safety reasons. 

This stringer that helps hold up the concrete arches was partially broken before ODOT workers used a jackhammer to chip some of the concrete away to expose the 80 year old rebar. The pieces seen here originally were secure on the bridge platform. One piece was corroded and broke while the other one snapped. No time has been set for the bridge to reopen.