For the first time in 40 years, a new bridge will span the Willamette River. TriMet’s Portland-Milwaukie bridge will connect bikes, pedestrians and transit riders from east to west. Set for completion in September 2015, it will be the nation's largest car-free commuting bridge open to the public.
There’s just one important item left to decide – what to call the bridge. TriMet needs your help. Come up with the perfect name for the region's newest bridge, and you could make history!
Sponsored by TriMet, a committee of regional citizens who share a sense of place will consider the names gathered from the public during this first phase and make recommendations in January for more public input. The committee is chaired by historian Chet Orloff. Orloff and the committee will send final recommendations to TriMet in spring 2014.
The yet-to-be-named Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Bridge is a critical component of a new 7.3-mile light rail alignment that will connect north Clackamas County, Milwaukie and inner SE Portland with downtown Portland and the regional MAX system. The bridge will add capacity to the region's overall transportation system, with more light rail connections creating better access to important destinations and reducing commute pressure on other bridges.
Historical, personal or profound; dream up a name that you like, and submit it to the Bridge Naming Committee for consideration using the form on the TriMet web site. The name you choose might reflect local geography, Native American history, area plants or animals, or other themes related to the symbolic nature of connecting the region. Let your imagination run free, and send in your name today!