HISTORIC HIGHWAY BRIDGES OF OREGON

It is with great pleasure that Historic Highway Bridges of Oregon is published. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) hopes that it appeals to a wide audience. The document is, foremost, the result of a department research study and will assist in transportation planning and development work. Additionally, the book is a source document for future bridge research, being the first comprehensive inventory of one of Oregon's engineering features. Finally, the general readership is provided a detailed view of the historic bridges of Oregon. Over two hundred photographs and descriptions illustrate the rich legacy of bridge building in this state.

The historic bridges study involved the time and talents of many department staff and the support and assistance of private citizens and other agencies. Some years ago, Lewis L. McArthur, a respected authority on historic engineering structures, suggested this study to the Department of Transportation. Lew's concern that historically important engineering features were being replaced was shared by the department. The proposal to inventory the historic bridges in Oregon was a timely complement to the need to address department compliance with historic preservation laws. Consequently, a committee of ODOT Environmental Section and State Historic Preservation Office staff developed a study framework and secured the support of the department's administration and funding assistance from the Federal Highway Administration. The Environmental Section was given the responsibility for implementing the study.

The principal author of Historic Highway Bridges of Oregon, Dwight A. Smith, cultural resource specialist in the Environmental Section, was the study's manager and diligent workhorse. Dwight's unfailing enthusiasm for historic bridges, along with his creativity and professionalism, carried the study through many years. James Norman, also of the Environmental Section, served as the research associate for the study, was the principal photographer and coordinated the design of the book. Pieter Dykman, the environmental research supervisor, had the responsibility and pleasure of supporting the effort of these two talented individuals and reviewing the results.

The study was conducted with the early support of the State Historic Preservation Office and their continuing assistance through the review of the study results. David W. Powers III and Elisabeth Walton Potter offered valuable advice and professional expertise.

Three private citizens and bridge experts donated considerable time and knowledge to the evaluation of the historic bridges: Lewis L. McArthur, Vice President, Ray Becker Company, Portland; Louis F. Pierce, President and Chief Engineer, OBEC Consulting Engineers, Eugene; and Thomas J. McClellan, Professor Emeritus, Oregon State University Engineering Department, now with CH2M-Hill, Corvallis. Their knowledge and appreciation of historic bridges added depth and substance to the bridge evaluation.

Many members of the Department of Transportation assisted the study. Walter J. Hart, State Bridge Engineer, aided the research on many occasions and served on the evaluation team, along with Jack L. Davis, also of the Bridge Section. Gerald W. Test assisted in the early exploratory stages of the study. Jerry Robertson, Craig Markham, and others assisted with field inspections and photography. The excellent design and artwork of this publication were contributed by John Davenport, George Kraus, and others in the Graphics Unit. The State Printing Division printed the document.

Like family, the final credit and greatest praise for support goes to our fellow Environmental Section staff. Probably no one escaped giving some aid, advice or solace in the course of the study. Many persons assisted in various reviews. Lori Butler, with other clerical staff assistance, typed all of the innumerable documents produced during the study speedily and accurately. Campbell M. Gilmour as section manager provided continuing encouragement and administrative support to the study, as did his predecessor, Gary A. Potter.

To all of these outstanding individuals mentioned and others inadvertently omitted, we extend our most sincere thanks and appreciation.

Pieter T. Dykman
Environmental Research Supervisor
Oregon Department of Transportation
Salem 1985