Historic Highway News
 Above: Visitors on a February 2022 tour of the Mitchell Point Tunnel stand in the light from the first arched window.
Below: Looking into the tunnel through the arched window.
Mitchell Point Tunnel: 100 feet to go
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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Efficient, reliable, safe. Timed Vehicle Access Permits.
ODOT, Oregon State Parks, U.S. Forest Service and Multnomah County are planning a temporary pilot project on the Historic Highway for summer 2022. Between May 24 and Sept. 5, 2022, a timed-access permit will be required for each personal vehicle driven on the Historic Highway from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. between Vista House and Ainsworth State Park.
Improved access timed vehicle permits will be available online for a processing/administration fee and in person for a limited amount of same-day permits. We anticipate the processing fee will be around $2 per vehicle.
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Columbia Gorge Construction
Along with construction at Mitchell Point, several more construction projects are currently underway with more beginning later in 2022.
Travelers on I-84 should be aware of planned traffic impacts, expect to travel through multiple work zones with lane closures between Cascade Locks and Hood River, and plan for delays.
Construction is underway for the following projects:
- Mitchell Point Tunnel as part of the Historic Highway State Trail.
- Historic Highway State Trail segment from Viento State Park to Mitchell Point.
- Field work for the design of the Historic Highway State Trail segment between Mitchell Point and Hood River.
- The I-84: Forest Lane Bridge Raising in Cascade Locks. 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.
- Beginning spring 2022, work is scheduled 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.
Throughout the year, i84GorgeConstruction.org and TripCheck.com are your best resources for staying informed. Sign up for email updates about work on I-84 and the Historic Highway.
Additional Meeting Information
Joining the meeting
The meeting will take place on Zoom and is open to the public. You can join online or by phone.
To join online:
Click here to join the meeting. The meeting password is: HCRH_AC
No RSVP is needed. Alternatively, enter the meeting ID into Zoom: 842 8075 3067
You do not need a Zoom account to access the meeting. You may be prompted to enter your name or email address -- the information you enter may be visible to those attending the meeting.
To join by phone:
- Dial +1 253 215 8782
- Enter the meeting ID: 842 8075 3067
Technical support and accommodations
Visit Zoom's Help Center. For technical support before or during the meeting, you may contact Roxane.GLYNN@odot.state.or.us or 503-731-8423.
For ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/interpretation services, or more information call 503-731-4128, TTY (800) 735-2900 or Oregon Relay Service 7-1-1.
To request printed materials, please contact Roxane.GLYNN@odot.state.or.us or 503-731-8423 by March 10.
Providing public comment
During the meeting:
Attendees will be muted. The Advisory Committee will provide opportunities for public comment. If you have a question or comment you can:
- Use the "raise hand" option. You will be able to un-mute your microphone. Please introduce yourself and ask your question or provide your comment.
- If you are attending by phone, dial *9 to raise your hand. Dial *6 to mute/unmute your microphone.
- Use the chat option to type your question or comment.
In advance of the meeting: If you are unable to attend the virtual meeting, you can send comments to Roxane.GLYNN@odot.state.or.us or 503-731-8423 until noon on Monday the week of the meeting. Comments will be shared with the Advisory Committee.
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