Historic Columbia River Highway reopens east of Multnomah Falls
 The Historic Columbia River Highway reopened Friday evening, May 15, east of Multnomah Falls -- a major milestone in repairs to the East Multnomah Falls Viaduct.
Century-old east viaduct reopens after restoration project
News media contact: David House, 503-551-8641
May 16, 2026
MULTNOMAH FALLS – The Historic Columbia River Highway has reopened east of Multnomah Falls with a major milestone in a two-year restoration project.
We reopened the East Multnomah Falls Viaduct on Friday evening, May 15, after about seven months of work restoring the second of two elevated sections of the historic highway, also known as U.S. 30. Last year, we completed restoration of the viaduct on the west side of the falls.
This milestone concludes the last of two significant closures in our two-year project to repair the two historic viaducts, which are over 100 years old. Finishing the work marks a significant milestone toward restoring and extending the service life of the original “King of Roads” through the Columbia River Gorge from Troutdale to The Dalles.
Over the summer, travelers can occasionally expect to see flaggers directing traffic while crews clean up the site, complete finishing touches on the railings and install permanent striping.
These viaducts on the historic highway on either side of Multnomah Falls are open to vehicles less than 35 feet long and bicycle travel only.
Since work began on the east viaduct in October 2025, crews patched the original decorative concrete, reinforced the structural stability of the aging structure and poured a new road surface. The repair work ensures the structure continues carrying traffic near Multnomah Falls for years to come while preserving the historic integrity so that the viaducts, with their unique railings and stone support walls, look similar to when they were built in 1914.
Thank you for your patience while crews restored and rehabilitated the historic viaducts.
How to access Multnomah Falls
- Visitors to the waterfall corridor, Multnomah Falls Lodge, and nearby trails can now access these sites from the historic highway from both directions of Multnomah Falls Lodge.
- A timed-use permit will be required for visitors using the Interstate 84 Exit 31 to the Multnomah Falls parking lot between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from May 22 through Sept. 7, 2026. Information about the permits is available at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10089144.
- Visitors are encouraged to take transit to avoid parking delays. The Gorge has multiple public and private bus options to reach areas like Multnomah Falls. Visit RideCATbus.org or ReadySetGOrge.com to find more information about routes, schedules and tickets.
- Drivers to Multnomah Falls may park in the lot at Exit 31 from I-84 or the smaller parking area on the historic highway. Real-time traffic impacts and cameras showing parking availability at the Exit 31 lot are available at TripCheck.com.
About the restoration work
About 4,000 vehicles use the viaducts daily. The structures are original to the historic highway and listed as a National Historic Landmark.
The viaduct repairs included:
- Removing the aging asphalt and installing a new concrete surface to match the original 1914 design in color and texture.
- Repairing concrete railings, vertical columns, and horizontal support beams under the viaduct – which have cracks and exposed rebar – to improve stability and address erosion.
- Replacing permanent signs to meet current standards.
Please visit the project website for more information.
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