[OSMB-News] News Release -Marine Board Lifts Closure of Willamette near I-5 Bridge Construction

[Massey, Ashley]

For Immediate Release                                                                    Date: Friday, August 5, 2011

Marine Board Lifts Closure of Willamette near I-5 Bridge Construction

               The Oregon State Marine Board lifted at 5 p.m. Friday, August 5, a temporary closure of the Willamette River near the I-5 Bridge construction project in Eugene.  The bottleneck was the scene of several rescues during high water levels earlier this summer.
            The Lane County Marine Patrol report the water level has dropped by several feet and the debris in the main channel that proved a navigation hazard is now gone.

The safety closure took effect on July 1, and prohibited all boats from operating between the low-head dam upriver of the I-5 Bridge to the downstream end of the I-5 construction project, a distance of about 1,000 feet.
            Officials reiterate that if debris, natural or construction-related, once again creates a blockage, the water level rises, or significant water rescues are needed that put first responders at risk, the safety closure may need to be reinstated.
            Boaters and float traffic are urged to keep a sharp lookout and follow existing sign recommendations.
###


Ashley A. Massey
Public Information Officer
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
Ashley.massey at state.or.us<mailto:Ashley.massey at state.or.us>

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