Historic Highway reopens west of Multnomah Falls to flagged traffic

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 09/06/2024 11:40 AM PDT

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Historic Highway reopens west of Multnomah Falls to flagged traffic

Sept. 6, 2024

For media inquiries: Ryan McCrary, 503-983-5506

For questions or comments: Katelyn Jackson, 503-731-8503

TROUTDALE – The Historic Columbia River Highway, also known as U.S. 30, is now open west of Multnomah Falls with flaggers directing traffic in a single lane after a temporary, urgent closure.

Expect delays as flaggers direct traffic between Wahkeena and Multnomah Falls. The best way to visit Multnomah Falls continues to be via Exit 31 on Interstate 84 or take transit.

The Historic Highway is restricted to vehicles under 35-feet in length between Larch Mountain and Ainsworth State Park (mileposts 8.76-22). An 11-ton weight restriction remains in place just west of Multnomah Falls until further notice.

The Historic Highway will close again from October 1, 2024 to Memorial Day 2025 as part of a planned closure to repair and restore the elevated roadways – called viaducts – that carry vehicle traffic on both sides of Multnomah Falls.

The two viaducts are over 100 years old and require repairs to continue providing access to this popular route. We are repairing the railings and supports under the viaduct, which have cracks and exposed rebar, addressing erosion at the footings to provide long term stability, and replacing the aging asphalt surface of the viaduct.

Construction began under the structures earlier this year. Temporary shoring is supporting the west viaduct during construction. The recent Historic Highway closure allowed for inspection and replacement of shoring compromised with recent vehicle traffic, specifically overweight and oversize loads, trying to avoid congestion and recent crashes on I-84.

Schedule

  • Sept. 6, 2024: The Historic Highway reopens to traffic with flaggers just west of Multnomah Falls. Expect delays.
  • October 2024, to Memorial Day 2025: The Historic Highway just west of Multnomah Falls closes to all users to repair the west viaduct. No access to Multnomah Falls by vehicles traveling eastbound on the Historic Highway.
  • Memorial Day to October 2025: Periodic lane closures with flaggers directing traffic.
  • October 2025 to Memorial Day 2026: The Historic Highway just east of Multnomah Falls closes to all users to repair the east viaduct. No access to Multnomah Falls by vehicles traveling westbound on the Historic Highway.
Historic Highway closed west of Multnomah Falls. No access to Multnomah Falls heading eastbound. Use I-84 Exit 31.

Accessing the Multnomah Falls area during construction

The Gorge has multiple public and private bus options to reach areas like Multnomah Falls. Visit RideCatBus.org or ReadySetGOrge.com to find more information about routes, schedules and tickets.

Drivers to Multnomah Falls may park in the lot at Exit 31 from I-84. Real-time traffic impacts and cameras showing parking availability at the Exit 31 lot are available at TripCheck.com.

More information about the Multnomah Falls Viaduct Repair project is available:

Columbia Gorge Construction

The Multnomah Falls Viaduct Repair Project is one of many projects the Oregon Department of Transportation has underway on Interstate 84 between Interstate 205 in Portland 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. More information about all of the projects is available at i84GorgeConstruction.org.