A TriMet bus crosses the Sellwood Bridge in Portland for the first time in 12 years. They were taken off after Multnomah County lowered the weight limit for safety.
Kristian Foden-Vencil / OPB
TriMet buses will start crossing the Sellwood Bridge Monday, Dec. 5 after a 12-year absence.
Line 99 currently runs from Clackamas Community College to downtown Portland across the Ross Island Bridge.
For people like Charlie Rowley, whose girlfriend lives near the Sellwood Bridge, it’s meant the bus hasn’t been a viable option — until now.
"I think it’s great. I think the more we use mass transit and the more cars we get off the road the better,” he said.
TriMet spokeswoman Roberta Altstadt says it’s exciting.
“Crossing the Sellwood Bridge means that the Line 99 riders can connect with our bus lines that run on SW Macadam Avenue. Giving new connection for trips to and from Lake Oswego," Altstadt said.
Bus service across the Sellwood Bridge was suspended back in 2004 after Multnomah County lowered the weight limit. The old bridge couldn’t take the strain of a fully loaded bus.
Construction on the new bridge ended last month.