Design and construction for converting the railway bridge to a vehicle bridge was undertaken by the Bureau of Public Roads. Work included
The Alaska Earthquake on March 27, 1964 was one of the highest recorded earthquakes registering 9.5 on the Richter Scale. The Million Dollar Bridge sustained substantial damage and is now 2.8 feet shorter than originally constructed. Span #3 came unbolted and shifted 12.5 feet north and 4.5 feet east. The bottom chord of Span #3 was damaged. The upper portion of Pier #3 was offset 3 feet from the bottom portion, in addition to sustaining numerous cracks. Span #4 sheared and fell into the river, the bottom chord scraping Pier #3 on it's way down. Truss members on the southern side of Span #4 were severely bent and rest in place where they lay along side Pier #3.
The Alaska Department of Highways maintenance forces constutructed a ramp to access the north side of the bridge. The ramp was constructed from Span #3 onto the downed prortion of Span #4. Several members were removed from the southern end of Span #4 so that vehicles could clear the span.
Repair work was undertaken by the Department of Highways ro repair the most severe damages. Four items were taken into consideration to fix.
High waters take out the eastern false bent during the fall of 1995. The governor set up a committee of engineers from around the state in recommending a course if action. Over two dozen alternatives were evaluated. The chosen alternative is shown in What's being done today