Wilsonville railroad bridge

The Wilsonville railroad bridge is a steel truss structure crossing the Willamette River and carrying single-track rail service between the riverbanks. The structure uses special steel that naturally develops a protective rust coating, reducing the need for regular painting maintenance.

This bridge was constructed in 1975 to replace an earlier 1907 rail bridge that had wooden sections and suffered structural damage over time. The replacement reflected advances in engineering and riverine design.

The bridge carries active rail traffic that locals hear regularly, making it part of the daily soundscape of the area. Trains passing overhead connect the town to larger regional networks.

The bridge is best viewed from nearby roads or riverside paths where visitors can see the full steel structure clearly. The strongest viewing angle is from the riverbank, where the truss framework is most visible.

Unlike its predecessor which stood much taller, this bridge was built at a lower height to allow boats better passage beneath it. The lower design makes the structure less obtrusive in the surrounding landscape.

Location: Oregon

Inception: 1975

Official opening: 1975

GPS coordinates: 45.29290,-122.77600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:22