I live in Sellwood and have been closely following the dialogue regarding the new bridge. Sellwood's proximity to the river, Oaks Bottom and the Springwater Corridor are all reasons I choose to live here. As a designer, I am constantly aware of the effect my surroundings have on me. I enjoy walking and cycling around Portland. 

 

The old Sellwood Bridge was only built for vehicles. Lacking empty lanes, it became a bottleneck not just for cyclists and pedestrians, but also for emergency, fire and other safety equipment. With its height and location on the river, the new bridge with its wide sidewalks becomes, in essence, a park -- a place to walk, ride, bring children and stop and enjoy the views. It will become a destination for that alone, and, as it should, it will serve people, not just cars.