 Map of the project area.
Travelers should prepare for construction delays on I-84 between Ainsworth State Park and Bonneville Dam starting Sunday, March 1 as traffic is restricted to one lane in each direction until this fall. Both directions of traffic will share the westbound bridge over McCord Creek for about 4 months while crews work to remove and rebuild the eastbound bridge.
In summer through fall 2026, the eastbound and westbound bridges will be open but one lane in each direction will remain closed.
The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail will also close for two months in 2026 with shuttle service for trail users between John B. Yeon and Toothrock Trailheads. Details about the shuttle are available on the project website.
Crews are beginning the first visible work in 2026 for interstate travelers as they begin replacing the eastbound bridge. Replacing the bridge will eliminate a “dip” in the road and increase safety, earthquake resilience and the lifespan of the highway. Over the last few months, crews have been working under the bridge to set up supports beneath the existing bridge. Over the next several months, crews will use large cranes to remove the existing eastbound bridge and install a new bridge in its place.
Travelers on I-84 can expect:
- Eastbound traffic to share the westbound bridge with one lane open in each direction until summer 2026.
- Around-the-clock single lane and shoulder closures on I-84 eastbound and westbound will continue at McCord Creek until fall 2026.
- The NE Frontage Rd on-ramp to eastbound I-84 at the Elowah Falls Trailhead parking lot remains closed during construction. Travelers accessing eastbound I-84 from NE Frontage Road must detour to the on-ramps at Ainsworth State Park (exit 35).
Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail users can expect:
- The Historic Highway State Trail to close for two months with shuttle service between John B. Yeon and Toothrock Trailheads. Details about the shuttle are available on the project website.
Details about why the construction process with these traffic impacts was selected as the best option to complete the project are described in this informational factsheet.
Visit tripcheck.com or call 5-1-1 for traffic alerts. You can also sign up for our Region 1 newsletter to stay up to date.
Use zipper merging when approaching closed lanes to reduce backups
“Zipper” merging is when drivers remain in their current lane until the lane ends so vehicles can take turns merging. This allows drivers to use all the available space in each lane while reducing backups. It also promotes merging at slower speeds to reduce the chance of a crash. You can find more about Zipper Merging in the “Time to merge? Zip it up!” section of our Summer Safety Driving Tips.
Here are some tips for Traveling Safely in Work Zones
- Orange is your cue! Pay attention when you see orange signs, barrels, cones and barricades.
- Obey all speed signs for your safety and the safety of others.
- Expect delays—plan for them—and leave early so you can drive safely through the work zone.
- Allow extra time when traveling and follow all signs and flaggers for safety.
Travelers should expect delays in the area during construction activities. For the most up-to-date traffic impacts please visit www.TripCheck.com.
More information on work scheduled in the coming months and beyond is available on our project website. Stay tuned for more email updates!
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