Carver Bridge 1930-2013 Rest In Peace -also known as baker bridge
Anyone traveling through the vibrant intersection of Carver in the next 2 years should consider leaving home earlier than usual. Work has begun to replace the nostalgic iconic steel truss bridge that has faithfully carried travelers and commuters back and forth over the scenic Clackamas River for 82 years. In fact as of January 2013 traffic has already been re-routed onto a temporary river crossing and the old trusses are gone. Construction conditions will be kept up to date at www.carverbridge.com.
Originally built in 1930, the bridge was rehabilitated in 1955 and kept its original design. Recognized by www.bridgehunter.com as a notable bridge, Carver Bridge was eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. However, an inspection in 2010 appraised the bridge as functionally obsolete based on deck condition, and the superstructure and substructure conditions, and before the historic process began a second re-build was deemed nonviable.
The Clackamas River at Carver was originally crossed using a slack-line ferry operated by pioneer Horace Baker. Subsequently a wooden covered bridge spanned the river as the longest covered bridge in the Oregon at the time. The then modern riveted, 9-panel Parker through truss bridge replaced the wooden bridge. Located alongside the wooden bridge was also a large train trestle of the C & E Railway. That line extended out past Viola and served several sawmills and communities beyond Carver.
Stan Monte, Clackamas County Engineering Division project manager, heads up this bridge replacement project. Mr. Monte provided an artist’s rendering of what the new bridge will look like when completed sometime in summer 2014. Gone from the new replacement bridge are the splendid eye pleasing arches of the aesthetic truss bridge design. Instead, the new design hales a modern post and pier cement structure. Some locals refer to the new bridge’s appearance as a miniature section of the mighty Columbia’s Glen Jackson Bridge.
Construction of the upstream detour bridge and the temporary work bridge has begun.
Carver Bridge
in the Near Future
Artist rendering of what the new Carver Bridge will look like when completed the summer of 2014.
Project Information Line:
If you have questions or comments, please call the project information line at (503) 736-4800. Stan Monte, project manager, Engineering Division of Clackamas County Dept. of Transportation and Development.
