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Over the next several years, we have many construction projects planned on Interstate 84 between Interstate 205 and Hood River, and on the Historic Columbia River Highway between Troutdale and Hood River.
Each project brings benefits to residents, businesses and visitors by increasing safety, extending the lifespan of the highways or completing a gap in walking and biking infrastructure.
In early 2022, we will continue construction on some projects and begin work on several more.
Throughout the year, i84GorgeConstruction.org and TripCheck.com are your best resources for staying informed.
Overview
Between now and March 2022 we expect the following projects to be underway along I-84 and the Historic Highway:
Learn more about each project below or on our website.
Work begins to raise the Forest Lane overcrossing in Cascade Locks
We are raising the Forest Lane Bridge over Interstate 84, which will allow tall or over-height trucks to continue on I-84, making travel more efficient, saving time and money and increasing safety on alternate routes.
Construction impacts
Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2022 and take several months to complete.
For I-84 Travelers: I-84 under the bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction around-the-clock to provide space for work to occur. The shoulder will be narrowed during construction. People cycling can use the narrowed shoulder or detour through Cascade Locks.
For Forest Lane Travelers: Forest Lane will be closed around-the-clock at the bridge to all users. Local access for businesses on the northwest side of the bridge will be open. People driving, walking or biking can follow a signed detour on Wa Na Pa and Frontage Road.
Above: The Forest Lane overpass on I-84 in Cascade Locks looking east.
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I-84: Toothrock Tunnel floor repair and paving from Multnomah Falls to Cascade Locks begins
We are repairing the aging floor of the Toothrock Tunnel (which carries I-84 east near Bonneville Dam) and repaving I-84 between Multnomah Falls and Cascade Locks.
Construction impacts
Construction is scheduled to occur spring through fall 2022. Travelers can expect:
- Nighttime lane and ramp closures on I-84.
- Some daytime lane closures on I-84 prior to Memorial Day 2022.
- A several week closure for all vehicles of the I-84 east off-ramp toward Eagle Creek (exit 41) to allow for bridge repairs.
Above: The Toothrock Tunnel on I-84 east.
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Historic Highway State Trail: Viento State Park to Mitchell Point breaks ground
A new segment of trail connects the existing Historic Highway State Trail at the Viento Trailhead to Mitchell Point and includes reconnecting 0.67 miles of original sections of the Historic Highway.
Construction impacts
Construction begins January 2022 and continues through 2024.
Travelers can expect right lane closures on I-84 as construction begins and utility work is underway. Occasional rolling slowdowns could begin in fall 2022.
Mitchell Point Tunnel construction continues
Mitchell Point was the site of an iconic tunnel on the Historic Columbia River Highway with its five arched windows overlooking the Columbia River. Constructed in 1915, the tunnel was closed in 1953 because it could no longer accommodate high traffic volumes and car sizes. It was destroyed in 1966 to widen the water-level highway, now Interstate 84. The historic tunnel was 390-feet long. Work is underway to form a new 655-foot tunnel with five arched windows.
Construction impacts
Construction began in 2021 and is scheduled for completion in 2023.
Crews are using drilling and rock blasting to form the new tunnel. For safety, during rock blasting, we are using rolling slowdowns which create windows where there is no traffic on I-84.
Travelers can plan for rolling slowdowns between 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays on I-84 between Cascade Locks and Memaloose State Park (east of Mosier) as weather allows. We anticipate rolling slowdowns to continue through early 2022.
In addition, travelers can expect shoulder closures and single lane closures on I-84 between Viento State Park and Hood River as crews complete field work for the design of the final segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail from Mitchell Point to Ruthton Park.
Above: A view from inside the Mitchell Point Tunnel at the east end as crews prepare for another rock blast.
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Bridal Veil Interchange Maintenance
Maintenance work will repair bridge bearings and joints on the Bridal Veil interchange (exit 28) bridges over Interstate 84 in early 2022.
Travelers can expect:
- Nighttime closures of the I-84 east off-ramp to Bridal Veil and the on-ramp to I-84 west.
- Periodic nighttime single lane closures on I-84.
- Flaggers directing traffic on the Historic Columbia River Highway approaching the interchange between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays and at night.
- For one four-day period, the ramps will be closed around-the-clock. Look for signs, visit the project website, or Check TripCheck.com for dates.
More information on work scheduled for 2022 and beyond is available on our project website. Stay tuned for more email updates!
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