DUII Crash Closes Historic Gold Hill Bridge
Jackson County officials say the nearly 100-year-old Lampman Road Bridge is unsafe after a single-vehicle crash Sunday night.
GOLD HILL, Ore. — A nearly 100-year-old bridge in Gold Hill has been closed indefinitely after a DUII crash caused significant structural damage Sunday night.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at 8:34 p.m. Sunday, May 31, to a single-vehicle crash in the 1600 block of Lampman Road. The crash damaged the Lampman Road Bridge over Galls Creek.
Deputies said the 27-year-old female driver was found walking away from the crash scene. Deputies observed signs of impairment, and the driver consented to Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.
According to JCSO, a breath test showed a blood alcohol content of 0.24%. Deputies arrested the woman for driving under the influence of intoxicants. Rogue River Police Department also responded to assist.
Jackson County Roads and Parks later assessed the bridge and determined it is unsafe for any load. The bridge is now closed indefinitely to all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Travelers must use alternate routes.
“Important structural components of the nearly 100-year-old bridge trusses were damaged to the point that our Engineering team has serious concerns with the structural stability of the bridge,” said Steve Lambert, Jackson County Roads and Parks director. “To ensure the safety of our residents, the bridge will be closed and first responders have been notified.”
Lambert said the county had already secured grant funding to replace the bridge, and design work is underway. However, he said the closure will be extended while the county continues working with the Oregon Department of Transportation through the design and procurement process.
“Fortunately, we have already secured grant funding to replace this bridge and design is well-underway,” Lambert said. “However, it will be an extended closure as we continue to work with ODOT through the design and procurement process.”
A map shows the location of the Lampman Road Bridge over Galls Creek in Gold Hill. The bridge is closed indefinitely to vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Image courtesy of Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
No injuries were reported in the crash.
JCSO said the crash highlights the dangers of impaired driving. DUII enforcement in Jackson County is supported in part by grant funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Cover image: A vehicle sits on the Lampman Road Bridge after a Sunday night DUII crash in Gold Hill. Jackson County officials said the crash caused significant structural damage to the nearly 100-year-old bridge. Photo courtesy of Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
