Load Restrictions On Highway 97 Bridge In Oregon

Load restrictions have been placed on the bridge over Green Springs Drive and the Burlington Northern Railroad on Highway 97 in Klamath Falls, Ore.

Beginning today, truck traffic over the bridge will be restricted to annual permit loads of 105,500 pounds. The bridge is located between the Main Street and Green Springs Interchanges at mile post 275.73.
Recent inspections have discovered cracks throughout the concrete girders. These cracks lessen the load carrying capacity of the structure. The bridge is being monitored weekly and might be closed if the cracks grow in length or width.
The southbound detour route is Highway 39 east to the Lakeview junction, south to the intersection of the Southside Expressway (OR 140), then west to Highway 97. The northbound detour route is Highway 140 east to Highway 39, north to the Lakeview junction, then west to Highway 97.
Oregon has an increased number of bridges with weight restrictions for heavy trucks. For more information on Oregon's critical bridge situation, go to www.odot.state.or.us and click on the link for the Restricted Bridges Web Site.