Steel Bridge Signals and Communications
Revitalizing Portland's historic Steel Bridge.
Revitalizing Portland's historic Steel Bridge.
Overview
This project involved providing new signaling and communications systems for light rail and bridge operations, coordinated with the rehabilitation of the historic Steel Bridge. Built in 1912, the Steel Bridge is one of the oldest lift bridges still in service in the U.S. and the only remaining double-deck vertical lift bridge with independent lifting decks.
Scope of Work
Modern Railway Systems (MRS) provided signaling and communications systems to support operations across both bridge decks. The upper deck carries vehicles, light rail, bicyclist, and pedestrian traffic, while the lower deck supports freight and passenger rail, including Amtrak and Union Pacific Railroad operations. The work ensured that all systems were integrated with the bridge’s rehabilitation to maintain safe, efficient, and continuous operations.
Impact
The project enhanced operational safety and reliability for light rail, freight, and passenger rail traffic across the Steel Bridge. Modernized signaling and communications improved coordination, monitoring, and control, ensuring the continued safe use of this critical historic infrastructure.
Portland, OR
Light Rail
Low Bid
2021
TriMet
Northwest
