Historic Highway News
Oregon Transportation Commission reconfirms support
On Nov. 9, ODOT Region 1 Manager Rian Windsheimer and Historic Highway Advisory Committee Chair Arthur Babitz presented to the Oregon Transportation Commission. The commission passed a resolution in support of the Historic Highway State Trail and directing ODOT to pursue federal grant opportunities.
Mitchell Point Tunnel construction
 Masonry stone wall on the east side of the Mitchell Point Tunnel with view point.
Restoring the Multnomah Falls Viaducts
Two historic viaducts carry traffic on the Historic Columbia River Highway to Multnomah Falls. The viaducts are original to the Historic Highway and over 100 years old.
Upcoming repairs will allow the viaducts to continue carrying traffic along Historic Highway for years to come. Construction will close one viaduct at a time between fall and spring each year (2024 to 2026).
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A Look Back
A few key milestones and accomplishments from the past year.
- In August, members of the Region 1 Area Commission on Transportation and local elected officials toured the Mitchell Point Tunnel. The commission passed a resolution recommending the Oregon Transportation to support the project and direct ODOT to pursue funding. Watch what local county commissioners had to say.
- Agency partners planned, ran and gathered data on the Timed Use Permits at Multnomah Falls I-84 Exit 31 parking lot. This effort reduces backups on I-84 and within the parking lot during the peak tourism season. Staff shared preliminary findings from the third year of the permit at the September Historic Highway Advisory Committee meeting.
- We completed 50% design for the Mitchell to Ruthton State Trail segment and applied for construction funding through the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Program.
- As part of an Interstate 84 paving project, we repaired the floor of the historic Toothrock Tunnel carrying I-84 east near Bonneville Dam.
A Look Forward
A few key things to look forward to in 2022.
- The Mitchell Point Tunnel is scheduled to open in spring 2024!
- Construction starts to restore the Historic Highway viaducts on either side of Multnomah Falls. Between fall 2024 and spring 2025, the west viaduct will be closed. Plan ahead and consider using transit during construction.
Apply for the Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee
Governor's Representative for Multnomah County seat open
There is an opening for the Governor’s Representative for Multnomah County on the Historic Highway Advisory Committee. The committee advises the State of Oregon on issues relating to the Columbia River Highway, and the Historic Highway State Trail including: funding, project prioritization, project design details, long-range planning and congestion solutions.
This is a ten-member committee with six members from the community: two from Multnomah, Hood River, and Wasco Counties – one appointed by the Governor, and one appointed by the respective County Commission. The remaining members include the Transportation Department Director, the Parks and Recreation Department Director, the State Historic Preservation Officer, and the Tourism Commission Chief Executive Officer, or their delegates.
The Governor is committed to ensuring that all Boards and Commissions represent the growing age, racial and gender diversity of the state. This is an amazing opportunity to pool our collective viewpoints, visions, and hopes for Oregon — and all residents are welcome and encouraged to serve.
Commitment
The Committee meets a minimum of four times a year, and a term is four years starting on July 1 of the year of appointment. Meetings are around 4 hours in length, not including travel time and there is both an in-person meeting option and a remote meeting option via Zoom. In-person meeting locations rotate through the Oregon Gorge communities between Troutdale and The Dalles. ODOT provides lunch at in-person meetings. Members are eligible for reimbursement for mileage only, as provided by ORS 292.495 (2). All meetings are during the day on weekdays, though timing may be adjusted due to member scheduling conflicts.
Committee members are expected to review meeting materials prior to the meeting, attend and provide feedback and input on items on the agenda, and act as an ambassador and supporter for the Historic Columbia River Highway and State Trail.
Members of the committee are encouraged to:
- Share their personal and/or professional experiences of living, working, traveling, or spending time along or near the Historic Columbia River Highway.
- Attend/participate in transportation and park project development committee meetings.
- Occasionally represent the Advisory Committee in public forums.
- Be available to support other Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee activities, including work sessions, subcommittees and presentations.
- Participate in additional meetings with the Oregon Transportation Commission, OPRD Commission, Tourism Commission, Columbia Gorge Commission County Commissions and City Councils.
Applying
To complete your application packet, return the linked form to the Governor’s Office, along with your resume, a statement of interest and a bio. Interested parties are encouraged to apply by Dec. 31, 2023.
Additional Advisory Committee Meeting Information
Joining the meeting
The meeting will take place in person and on Zoom and is open to the public. You can join in person, online or by phone.
To join online:
Click here to join the meeting. The meeting password is: HCRHAC
No RSVP is needed. Alternatively, enter the meeting ID into Zoom: 822 8060 3670
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: 822 8060 3670
Technical support and accommodations
Visit Zoom's Help Center. For technical support before or during the meeting, you may contact Katelyn.Jackson@odot.oregon.gov or 503-731-8503.
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 Terra.M.Lingley@odot.oregon.gov or 503-731-8232 by Nov. 30.
Providing public comment
During the meeting:
Virtual attendees will be muted. The Advisory Committee will provide opportunities for public comment both virtually and in person. If you have a question or comment while attending virtually, 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 meeting, you can send comments to Terra.M.Lingley@odot.oregon.gov or 503-731-8232 until noon on Monday the week of the meeting. Comments will be shared with the Advisory Committee.
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