Gorge construction starts soon on I-84 and the Historic Highway for 2024
Construction season is beginning soon for multiple projects in the Columbia River Gorge between I-205 and Hood River. We are improving Interstate 84, the Historic Columbia River Highway and extending the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. Updates in this email include:
- Multnomah Falls (I-84) timed-use permits
- U.S. 30 Historic Columbia River Highway sign upgrades
- Ruckel Creek culvert replacement
- Multnomah Falls viaduct repair
- Mitchell Point Tunnel
- Hood River intersection improvements: Cascade Avenue at Rand Road
Read below for more information and plan ahead by visiting TripCheck.com for real-time traffic impacts. Schedules are subject to change and weather dependent.
Multnomah Falls (I-84) Timed Use Permits resume at Exit 31 May 24-Sept. 2, 2024
The U.S. Forest Service is reinstating its seasonal Multnomah Falls (I-84) Timed Use Permit system for I-84 Exit 31. Between May 24 and Sept. 2, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., a Multnomah Falls (I-84) Timed Use Permit is required for each personal vehicle accessing Multnomah Falls from Exit 31. Permits must be obtained in advance, starting May 10, 2024. These permits only apply to the lot on the Interstate at Exit 31.
A limited number of permits will be available for same-day pickup without a transaction fee at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum. There is a $2 transaction fee for permits obtained online.
2024 projects
U.S. 30 Signs: Updating signs on the Historic Highway
 Project overview showing the locations between Troutdale and Hood River where we will be replacing or adding signs.
We are preparing to install new curve warning signs, upgrade existing signs, and replace signals in about 50 locations to improve safety on the Historic Highway between Troutdale and Hood River. The busier intersections where we will be installing signs include:
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Troutdale: The Historic Highway between Stark Street and Jordan Road, near the Sandy River Bridge.
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Hood River: U.S. 30 (Oak Street) and 13th Street (replaced outdated signal head).
In summer 2024, travelers can expect:
- Intermittent flagging during sign installations.
Ruckel Creek culvert: Work to repair the aging culvert begins this spring
We will repair a culvert that carries Ruckel Creek under I-84 just west of Cascade Locks to prevent potential flooding and roadway damage. Construction begins in 2024 and is anticipated to be complete in 6 months. Travelers on I-84 can expect:
- Periodic shoulder and lane closures on I-84.
Multnomah Falls viaducts: Historic Highway closed west of Multnomah Falls Lodge starting fall 2024
We will start restoration work later this year to repair the Multnomah Falls Viaducts. The viaducts are located on the Historic Columbia River Highway at either side of Multnomah Falls. One viaduct will be closed at a time between fall and spring each year.
Over the next two years, travelers can expect:
- Nighttime single lane closures: intermittently through 2026.
- West viaduct closure: October 2024 to Memorial Day 2025.
- East viaduct closure: fall 2025 through spring 2026.
Click here to enlarge the map above.
Columbia Gorge businesses and organizations can view a library of resources to help share information about this project.
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The Mitchell Point Tunnel is nearly complete
 View of the Mitchell Point Tunnel entrance and its exterior masonry.
Construction continues on the Mitchell Point Tunnel segment of the Historic Highway State Trail for a few more months before we finish the project this year. We will share the grand opening date as soon as it is available.
Travelers on I-84 can expect the following until construction is finished:
- I-84 East Exit 58 remains closed for construction.
Finishing Hood River intersection improvement project: Cascade Avenue at Rand Road
Construction continues in spring 2024 at the intersection of U.S. 30 (Cascade Avenue) at Rand Road in Hood River to align the north and south roads of the intersection and install a new signal to improve safety and accessibility. These improvements are scheduled to be complete this summer. Travelers can expect:
- Single lane closures, lane shifts and turning restrictions on U.S. 30 and Rand Road.
- Signed and accessible pedestrian detours.
More information on work scheduled for 2024 and beyond is available on our project website. Stay tuned for more email updates!
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