Historic Highway News
Larch Mountain Landslide Emergency Repairs Completed this summer
The Historic Columbia River Highway reopened in September 2025 after we completed emergency repairs to an ancient landslide between Larch Mountain Road and Vista House.
We closed this section of the Historic Columbia River Highway (U.S. 30), on July 7 to vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians to repair damage from the ancient landslide there.
This section has required regular monitoring and maintenance ever since the highway was first built more than a century ago.
We are grateful for the patience of residents, travelers and tourists while we made emergency repairs.
Photo above - Completed repairs on the Historic Highway
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Multnomah Falls Viaducts: East Viaduct Closure Continues
The historic highway east of Multnomah Falls Lodge remains closed to all traffic, including bicycles and vehicles, until spring 2026 so crews can continue restoration and repairs to the 100 year-old elevated highway structure.
Work is occurring on the deck of the east viaduct. Since the east viaduct closed Oct. 6, crews have removed all the old asphalt, installed new supportive rebar and poured the new concrete on the deck’s surface. The project will restore the structure and preserve its appearance with its original color and stone texture.
Photo above: View of the east viaduct after crews installed new rebar and started pouring the new concrete on the road surface.
While the east viaduct is closed between Multnomah Falls Lodge and Oneonta Trailhead:
- All traffic, including bicycles and vehicles, is prohibited between Multnomah Falls and the Oneonta Trailhead parking lot.
- Westbound vehicles on the Historic Highway east of Multnomah Falls will be turned around at the Oneonta Trailhead, about 2 miles east of Multnomah Falls. Parking is limited at the Oneonta Trailhead.
- Eastbound vehicles on the Historic Highway will be turned around east of the Multnomah Falls Lodge.
- Public transit and private buses are available to Multnomah Falls. Visit RideCatBus.org or ReadySetGOrge.com to find more information .
- The lot at Exit 31 from I-84 remains open. Real-time traffic impacts and cameras showing parking availability at the Exit 31 lot are available at TripCheck.com.
- As with all construction, the schedule is subject to change. The latest information including detour maps are posted on TripCheck.com and on the project website.
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 Graphic showing closure and detour routes for the east viaduct closure
Apply for the Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee
Governor's Representative for Multnomah County seat open
There is one 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 apply.
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, complete the application on WorkDay, along with your resume, a statement of interest and a bio.
Additional Advisory Committee 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: HCRHAC
No RSVP is needed. Alternatively, enter the meeting ID into Zoom: 889 9045 2031
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: 889 9045 2031
Technical support and accommodations
Visit Zoom's Help Center. For technical support before or during the meeting, you may contact kenneth.werth@odot.oregon.gov or 971-325-5066.
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.
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. Comments will be shared with the Advisory Committee.
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