News
The new Sauvie Island Bridge opened to traffic Monday, June 23, 2008, following two and a half years of construction and a weekend grand opening celebration. The $42 million structure replaces the island’s original bridge, which was unable to support the weight of modern trucks - many loaded with farm produce and lumber.
“The big day is finally here for Sauvie Island residents, businesses and visitors,” said County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey, who led efforts to secure funds for the new bridge. “The cracks on the old bridge were discovered less than seven years ago. The bridge that opens today will help ensure that the island’s farms and rural way of life can continue for generations to come.”
While cars, trucks, buses and bicyclists can use the new bridge today, pedestrians will need to wait a few more months. Sidewalks at the mainland end of the new bridge cannot be completed until the old bridge is removed. Removal of the old bridge will also allow the contractor to widen the new bridge at its Highway 30 end, to create room for a second turn lane for traffic leaving the island.
Other project work that will be completed this summer and fall includes:
· Removing the approach ramp to the old bridge
· Widening and recontouring the ramp to the new bridge
· Grading and paving two Gillihan Road connections to Sauvie Island Road at the bridge. The nearest Gillihan Road connection to the bridge will close today and reopen in the fall.
· Paving and landscaping a parking area and bus stop on the island.
Work this week will also require lane closures on Highway 30 near the bridge between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm. Two lanes will always remain open in the dominant travel direction during peak commute hours.
Multnomah County maintains the Sauvie Island Bridge and more than 300 miles of roads and bridges.
Wedding Bliss: Chaplain Yvonne Cieloha renewed vows of five lucky couples: Rob and Cheryl Wiley, 43 years; Skip and Linda Klarquist 37 years; Keith and Lynnda Steenslid 34 years; Kyle and Amanda Hoyt 3 years and Victor and Judy Reeder 2 years. The brides and grooms didn’t have to answer with the normal I do, but had choices of ‘I will’ or ‘I won’t. It was a fun and joyful evening.
Volunteer Opportunities: Two busy weeks are in front of us as we get ready to celebrate the opening of the bridge and prepare for the annual 4th of July run. Contact Lynnda Steenslid, 503-621-9604, if you can volunteer to work our food booth at the Bridge Opening on Sunday, June 22nd. We have a sign up sheet in half hour increments. Kathy Andresen is preparing for the 4th of July fundraiser. You can volunteer to serve the strawberry shortcake, give water on the route or set up and clean up. This year the event will be staged from the Pumpkin Patch. Call Kathy at 503-621-9847. Come to the GWA meeting on Wednesday, June 18 to help us decide if we want to make biscuits this year. The strawberries are coming to us already prepared this year. It’s all fun when there are many to help.
Grange Rental Policy: We worked on finalizing a new Grange rental policy including new rental rates: Grange members $50 per day, Island residents $150 per day and non-island residents $200 per day, plus $75 for use of the kitchen for island and non-island residents. Next month we will review the rental contract.
June Activities:
June 22nd – Bridge Grand Opening 11:00 am to 4:00 pm – volunteer to work the booth
July Activities:
July 4th – Annual 4th of July half marathon – volunteer to work the booth or route
July 14th – Monthly Grange meeting: 7:30 pm
July 16th – Monthly GWA meeting: 1:30 pm
Have news you’d like to get on this page? Send it to Bev Westlund at riversedgebb@msn.com.
Calling All Orphaned Spoons!
The Sauvie Island School will be eliminating plastic ware at the school lunch program in an ongoing effort to reduce waste at the school. At this time, we are in need of 50 teaspoons and 20 forks to replenish our depleted silverware drawers. Please search your garage sale piles to see if you have any spare silverware that might find a new home at the school. If you could drop your silver at the school office between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm M-F or respond to this email and we can arrange for a pickup at your house. You can also reach us at the school – 503-621-3426 - with your questions or request for a pick up.
Thanks for your help RESTOCK OUR DRAWERS!
Regards, the Sauvie Island School PTC
Hello Sauvie Island School Supporters,
We announce a big sale on Sauvie Island and Sauvie Island School logo wear. The prices below reflect a 40-60% discount in an effort to move some of the clothing that we have on hand. The items can be viewed and purchased at the Sauvie Island School lobby from 9 am to 3 pm. They will make great gifts for the holidays…maybe for those folks that have given you a helping hand this year…or anyone from the community. Call with questions 503-621-3426!
Each of these clothing items include a beautiful embroidered Sauvie Island Logo:
Adult Blue 1/4 zip sweatshirt $18.00
Adult Black fleece vest $18.00 (size small only)
Youth Black fleece $12.00
Green t-shirt $5.00 (Great Price)
Black & white ringer t-shirt $5.00 (Great Price)
Youth hoody – blue $12.00
Youth hoody - grey $15.00
Headband black $7.00
Youth Beanie caps $7.00
Baseball cap $5.00
Fleece Blanket $20.00 (blue with carry strap)
Special orders are available, but delivery is not possible before Christmas!
