Marquam Bridge

The Marquam Bridge is a double-deck cantilever structure made of steel that spans the Willamette River and connects Interstate 5 between downtown Portland and its southeastern districts. The upper level carries northbound traffic while the lower level handles southbound movement.

The bridge was built in 1966 and was Portland's first structure designed exclusively for motor vehicle traffic on the Interstate Highway System. This project marked a significant moment in the city's transportation development.

The bridge is named after Philip Marquam, an early landowner in the area. The name reflects the early settlement history of this part of Portland.

The bridge is not accessible to pedestrians and serves only automobile traffic between districts. Visitors can best view the structure from the river banks or nearby overlooks.

An incomplete exit ramp on the eastern end remains from a freeway project that never came to fruition. This abandoned structure is a remnant of an expansion that was planned but never built.

Location: Oregon

Inception: October 1966

Official opening: October 1966

GPS coordinates: 45.50810,-122.67000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:42