ODOT schedules “mock” noise test prior to start of next phase of Astoria-Megler Bridge Project

In its continued preparation for the upcoming Phase II of the Astoria-Megler Bridge painting and repair project, the Oregon Department of Transportation will be conducting a “mock” construction exercise to monitor and record sample noise levels on Wednesday, November 23 between 10 a.m. to noon. The exercise will be conducted weather permitting.

ODOT has hired an independent noise consultant firm from Portland to set up monitors within the vicinity of the bridge, including within the Uniontown neighborhood and in some rooms in hotels located near the bridge. ODOT has been working closely with the City of Astoria and area businesses to address concerns related to potential noise caused by equipment used to paint and repair rivets and bolts on the bridge.

“The purpose of the “mock” exercise is to record sustained and peak sample noise levels to help ODOT prepare a construction schedule that considers the needs of the community and local business owners,” said Larry McKinley, ODOT’s Area Manager in Astoria. “There is a need to find a balanced construction schedule between the anticipated noise impacts to the local community and needing to do the required painting and repair work to the bridge structure.”

During the exercise, equipment typical for the work will be staged at three independent locations (north end, mid span, and south end) along the span of the bridge. The equipment will be run for a period of time, a few minutes at each location, to capture the noise sample. Results of the noise sampling will help ODOT engineers come up with language that can be added to a contractor’s contract identifying ways to mitigate the noise impacts.

For the past two years, crews have been working on the Washington end of the bridge. However, there have been no residences or businesses impacted by the noise. This next phase of work is by the largest, and incorporates the main superstructure of the bridge located much closer to businesses and the general public. The project is expected to go out to bid in early 2012 and begin during the spring. The Phase II work could last five to six years.

During the two-hour exercise on Wednesday, there will be a single lane closure with flaggers controlling traffic. Motorists can expect minor delays.

photo courtesy oregoncoastdirectory.com