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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.
I-84 Columbia Gorge construction impacts update
Construction continues on several projects in the Columbia River Gorge between Cascade Locks and Hood River with lane closures and traffic impacts.
Updates include:
- A break in the rolling slowdown schedule for Mitchell Point.
- Lane closures begin this week from Viento State Park to Hood River.
- Lane closures in Cascade Locks will not begin until later in March.
Continue reading for more information and an update on the Mitchell Point Tunnel.
Mitchell Point Tunnel Construction
Crews have made significant progress in forming the Mitchell Point Tunnel as part of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.
For the 655-foot tunnel, only approximately 100 feet still need to be rock blasted or excavated.
In addition, the first arched window (photo at right) has been formed and now lets light into the tunnel and offers Gorge views. Four more windows are included in the design.
After a brief break from rock blasting March 1-8, we anticipate completing blasting in April.
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Current construction
In Cascade Locks, the I-84: Forest Lane Bridge Raising project is underway. The project will allow tall or over-height trucks to continue on I-84, making travel more efficient and saving time and money for travelers, and also increasing safety on alternate routes. Travelers can expect:
- In March, one lane in each direction on I-84 will be closed around-the-clock for several months. Dry weather is needed before this work can occur. Visit the project website for updates to the schedule.
- The Forest Lane Bridge over I-84 is closed for several months to raise the structure.
Work is underway to construct two segments of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail from Viento State Park to Mitchell Point and the Mitchell Point Tunnel. Work includes utility relocations and trail construction, including tunnel construction with rock blasting at Mitchell Point. Travelers can expect:
- No rolling slowdowns March 1-8. Next rolling slowdown is scheduled for March 10. Typically, rolling slowdowns occur on I-84 east and west Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eastbound rolling slowdowns begin at Cascade Locks. Westbound rolling slowdowns begin at Memaloose State Park.
- Beginning March 1, one lane of I-84 west between Viento State Park and Mitchell Point will be closed around-the-clock for up to two weeks and one lane of I-84 east will be closed around-the-clock until Memorial Day.
Field work for the design of the final segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail from Ruthton Park to Hood River is beginning. Travelers can expect:
- Shoulder closures and single lane closures on I-84 east and west between Mitchell Point and Hood River beginning Feb. 28.
 Click to enlarge map.
Upcoming spring construction
Work to repair the aging floor of the Toothrock Tunnel (which carries I-84 east near Bonneville Dam) and repave I-84 between Multnomah Falls and Cascade Locks is scheduled to begin this spring. Travelers can expect:
- Nighttime lane and ramp closures on I-84.
- Some around-the-clock lane closures on I-84.
- A several week closure for all vehicles of the I-84 east off-ramp toward Eagle reek (exit 41) to allow for bridge repairs.
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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