Gorge construction update: Historic Highway closes between Wahkeena and Multnomah Falls Oct. 1
The Historic Columbia River Highway west of Multnomah Falls will be closed beginning on Oct. 1 until Memorial Day 2025. The west approach to Multnomah Falls, known as the west viaduct, is more than 100 years old and must be repaired to continue carrying traffic. Travelers should plan for the closure, especially on weekends when traffic volumes increase.
This email includes updates on Historic Highway projects and other construction in the Columbia River Gorge:
- Multnomah Falls west approach closes Oct. 1
- U.S. 30 Historic Columbia River Highway sign upgrades underway
- Ruckel Creek culvert replacement complete
- ADA curb ramps coming soon in Hood River
- Multnomah Falls timed-use permits finished for the 2024 season
Read below for more information and plan ahead by visiting TripCheck.com for real-time traffic impacts. Schedules are subject to change and weather dependent.
 West approach to Multnomah Falls on the Historic Highway closes beginning Oct. 1
The west viaduct is closed to all traffic, including bicycles and vehicles, from Oct. 1, 2024 until Memorial Day 2025. 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.
The viaduct was temporarily closed earlier this month after crews assessed the structure and replaced temporary supports under the roadway needed during construction.
While the west viaduct is closed October 1, 2024 until Memorial Day 2025:
- The West viaduct is closed to all traffic, including bicycles and vehicles. The Wahkeena-Multnomah Falls return trail #442 is open to hikers.
- Public transit and private buses are available to take you to Multnomah Falls without worrying about available parking. Visit RideCatBus.org or ReadySetGorge.com to find more information about routes, schedules and tickets.
- 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.
- Westbound vehicles will be turned around at the Multnomah Falls Lodge. Vehicles traveling westbound can access destinations such as Horsetail Falls and Ainsworth State Park prior to the closure.
- I-84 is not impacted by this project.
- Access to Multnomah Falls via the I-84 parking lot at Exit 31 will remain open but available parking spaces may be limited.
We are repairing the viaduct during this closure so it can continue carrying traffic on the Historic Columbia River Highway to the lodge for years to come. We will be preserving its appearance by maintaining its original color and stone texture after construction is complete.
Learn more about the viaduct repair by watching this video.
U.S. 30 Sign upgrades are underway on the Historic Highway
New curve warning signs on the Historic Highway in Corbett.
We are installing new curve warning signs, upgrading existing signs, and replacing signals in about 50 locations to improve safety on the Historic Highway between Troutdale and Hood River. Intersections where we are installing signs include:
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Troutdale: The Historic Highway between Stark Street and Jordan Road, near the Sandy River Bridge.
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Hood River:
- Cascade Avenue and 20th Street,
- U.S. 30 and OR 35,
- U.S. 30 (Oak Street) and 13th Street (signal replacement).
As this project completes work this over the next few weeks, travelers can expect:
- Intermittent flagging during sign installations.
Work to repair the aging Ruckel Creek culvert beneath I-84 is complete
We recently repaired a culvert that carries Ruckel Creek under I-84 just west of Cascade Locks to prevent potential flooding and roadway damage. Construction began in 2024 and finished this fall. Thank you for your patience while we completed the work!
Crews removing concrete within the Ruckel Creek culvert during construction.
Upcoming work: ADA curb ramps in Hood River
We are making sidewalk curb ramps safer on U.S. 30 (Cascade Avenue and Oak Street) in Hood River. We are improving accessibility for all users and bringing them up to the current standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We will upgrade sidewalk corners from Mt. Adams Avenue to E 2nd Street and add a new ramp at some corners. Construction could begin later this year.
Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permits are finished for the 2024 season
The U.S. Forest Service has finished its seasonal Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permit system for I-84 Exit 31. Timed Use Permits are no longer be required in 2024 for each personal vehicle accessing Multnomah Falls from I-84 Exit 31.
More information on work scheduled for 2024 and beyond is available on our project website. Stay tuned for more email updates!
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