Cottage Grove bridge gets new life - and a new name

COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. -- For three years, the swinging bridge in Cottage Grove has been closed.

But soon that will change.

"I first crossed the bridge in 1988 on a date," says Cottage Grove Civil Engineer Ryan Sisson, "and I'll be able to cross it again when it's rebuilt."

Built in the 1920s over the coast fork of the Willamette River, the bridge has a long history.

"(It was) rebuilt after the 1964 flood and renovated in the 70s."

Sisson says during a routine inspection, the bridge's timber structure was found to be unsafe.

"Engineers found a significant amount of dry rot in the beams."

The bridge was closed immediately and in June of this year, the City decided to rebuild the bridge.

One of the biggest changes is the materials they're using to support the bridge.

"What we have now are steel columns; this bridge will be around for a long time--for decades."

But some things must stay the same with the swinging bridge.

"It sways and it's really important to the community that it continues to, and I can certify that it will sway."

The nearly $800,000 project is being paid for with a combination of city, state and federal funding.

And with a new look, the City wants the bridge to have a new name.

They're inviting the community to help pick one out.

"I know the community. It's really important to them having it open and to name the bridge, so I'm anticipating some great ideas."