FILE - The St. Johns Bridge in an undated file photo. If the bridge fails during a major earthquake, it could leave residents on the North Portland peninsula isolated from the rest of the city.
"Oregon Field Guide" / OPB
The North Portland peninsula, which includes the St. Johns and Cathedral Park neighborhoods, could become isolated from the rest of the city after a major earthquake. If the St. Johns Bridge and railroad bridges on the peninsula’s eastern border fail, emergency responders could have no way into the area — and residents will have no way out. A bill in the Oregon Legislature would partially address the issue by designating funding for the city to design a seismically safe bridge over the railroad tracks at Columbia Boulevard.
Sameer Kanal is a Portland city councilor representing District 2, which includes North Portland. Jeff Bissonnette is the co-chair of the St. Johns-Cathedral Park Neighborhood Emergency Team. They join us to talk about how residents and the city are preparing for this potential disaster.
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