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Sept. 27, 2024
For media inquiries: Ryan McCrary, 503-983-5506
For questions or comments: Katelyn Jackson, 503-731-8503
 TROUTDALE – Extra route planning is needed for Multnomah Falls visitors. Starting Oct. 1, a section of the Historic Columbia River Highway/U.S. 30 is closed until Memorial Day 2025 between Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls. The closure allows for repairing and restoring the elevated highway – called a viaduct – that carries traffic just west of Multnomah Falls.
This closure is expected to last until Memorial Day 2025. Next fall, the viaduct east of the falls will close to traffic for several months.
Although part of the Historic Highway will be closed to traffic, access to attractions will remain open. Visitors to the waterfall corridor, Multnomah Falls Lodge, and nearby trails are encouraged to take a bus to avoid parking hassles or use the I-84 parking lot at Exit 31.
Accessing the Multnomah Falls area while the west viaduct is closed October 1, 2024 until Memorial Day 2025:
- 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.
- Vehicles traveling eastbound can access destinations such as Vista House, Bridal Veil and Wahkeena Falls prior to the closure. There is no access to Multnomah Falls by heading eastbound on the Historic Highway. Eastbound vehicles will be turned around at the Wahkeena Falls Trailhead, just before reaching Multnomah Falls. Parking is limited at Wahkeena Falls.
- Vehicles traveling westbound can access destinations such as Horsetail Falls and Ainsworth State Park prior to the closure. Westbound vehicles will be turned around at the Multnomah Falls Lodge.
- As with all construction, the schedule is subject to change. The latest information including detour maps will be posted on TripCheck.com and on the project website.
- Other sections of the Historic Highway will remain open during construction. I-84 is not impacted by this project.
Construction activity is already underway and visible from I-84 and the Historic Highway. The viaduct was temporarily closed earlier this month after crews assessed the structure and replaced temporary supports under the roadway needed during construction. Periodic lane closures with flaggers directing traffic began earlier this year and will continue through summer 2026 in between closures of the viaducts.
 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.
About the project
About 4,000 vehicles use the viaducts daily. The structures are original to the Historic Highway and listed as a National Historic Landmark. The repair work aims to preserve the historic integrity so the viaducts, with their unique railings and stone support walls look like they did in 1914.
Repairs include:
- Removing the aging asphalt and installing new concrete surface to match the original 1914 design in color and texture.
- Repairing railings, vertical columns, and horizontal support beams under the viaduct, which have cracks and exposed rebar to improve stability and address erosion.
- Replacing permanent signs to meet current standards.
More information is available:
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