The new suspension bridge construction is progressing well. The auxiliary road, staging area and utility bridge are all in place. The north and south bridge landings have been escalated and scaffolding placed. 18 abutments have been built to hold retaining walls.
Now, drillers are creating the 16 abutment footings for the bridge. These abutments are a minimum of 33 feet down with about 10 feet in bed rock. They will hold the bridge up. After the drillers finish. the prefabricated towers and approach spans will be erected. The crews are continuing work even during the storms. Yachats Trail crew and View the Future board members are working on further development of the Amanda Gathering Area in preparation for the May 21, 2022, bridge dedication event.
It has been disappointing for those who have wanted to hike this section of the Amanda trail to not be able to. Some people traveled far not knowing this section of the trail is closed. We hope that it will be fully open by February 2022. For the 2022 New Year’s Day Peace Hike, if weather allows, hikers will be able to reach the Gathering Area by hiking to the Kittel driveway and then following signs to the auxiliary road which will lead to the Gathering Area where a fire and Amanda await. Hikers will be able to see the progress on the new suspension bridge construction as well. Please, no parking or driving into the auxiliary road on New Year’s Day.
