northcoastbasin

Alsea Bay Bridge - Then, Then, Then and Now (55+ years)

"The Alsea Bay Bridge at Waldport, Oregon was Conde McCullough’s largest concrete structure, reaching a total of 3,011 feet across the mouth of the Alsea River. When completed in 1936, it was widely regarded as one of the finest concrete bridges in America. Unfortunately, it suffered serious structural deterioration as a result of corrosion of its steel reinforcement. It was demolished in 1991."--Bridge Ink

The beautiful new bridge, designed by HNTB, is shown in the first photograph. The 1991 photograph shows replacement construction of the new bridge beneath the old bridge. Construction of the replacement bridge began in 1988, and was completed in 1991.

The bottom two photographs show the historic bridge 30 years apart. The original bridge was completed in 1936 as a Public Works Project.

To begin to try to convey the beauty of this bridge and geography, I included an aerial photograph of Alsea Bay by Alex Derr.

 
"Alsea Bay Bridge (2008)"      by Martina


 
"Alsea Bay Bridge (1991)"     by Dezotell


 
"Alsea Bay Bridge (1984)"     by BridgeInk


 
"Alsea Bay Bridge (1954)" by Wanda Gifford


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"Alsea Bay (2007)"                     by Alex Derr

View large.
 

Beautiful shots! Thanks for including them and the other information.

Now, from the other side

I love these "Then & Now" shots.

I love bridges and I have crossed this one in Newport many times, A right turn from it leads to "Old Newport", a charming if somewhat touristy fishing village. In the space of a few blocks you can fish from the piers, have beer at Rogues and explore an underwater aquarium.

Was this photo actually taken in 1960? Is that what it means by "original" date?

Yes, in the 1960s: See the collection guide here

This looks very similar to a formation in Siletz Bay near Taft.