Historic Highway State Trail maintenance

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 11/17/2020 03:45 PM PST

Your source for updates and information regarding efforts to remember, restore and reconnect the Historic Columbia River Highway and State Trail - a world class adventure from Portland to The Dalles. 
historic columbia river highway

Maintenance work at Toothrock Tunnel

Historic Highway State Trail closures

A debris chute on the slope.

Thursday, crews are beginning work to address rockfall and landslides along the Historic Highway State Trail near Toothrock Tunnel (west of Cascade Locks). 

This area has historically experienced rockfall and landslides and conditions worsened as a result of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. New rockfall mesh and pinned mesh on slopes will improve safety by reducing potential for debris to land on the trail or next to the viaduct (the bridge structure carrying the trail), putting strain on the structure.

To reduce the visual impact of rockfall treatment, crews will cover the front of an existing retaining wall (shown at right) with new gabion baskets, which are wire baskets filled with local rock. 

Schedule & trail closures

Work begins Thursday, Nov. 18 and is scheduled to occur through Dec. 12, 2020.

During work, the Historic Highway State Trail will be fully closed to all users between Toothrock Tunnel and Eagle Creek. The Toothrock Trailhead will also be closed. 

Next week, the trail will be open Thursday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 29. for the holiday weekend.

Above: A landslide above the Historic Highway State Trail and retaining wall from winter 2019.

Trail information

Reminder: Online open house for the Historic Highway State Trail

Participate in the open house through Nov. 30.

An effort is underway to restore all 73 miles of the Historic Columbia River Highway from Troutdale to The Dalles.

Currently, 68 of those 73 miles are connected. Some segments will be accessible to cars and cyclists. Some segments, known as the Historic Highway State Trail, will be accessible only by people walking, rolling or biking.

The online open house shares information about each of the three segments of the Historic Highway State Trail -- including the Mitchell Point Tunnel -- that make up the remaining five miles.

Visit the open house
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