Stark Street Bridge Replacement

Multnomah County is leading an effort to replace the Stark Street Bridge. The current crossing over the Sandy River is a critical connection for East County residents and access to the scenic Columbia River Gorge. The bridge is more than 110 years old and at the end of its service life. This project will evaluate options for a new bridge.

See Frequently Asked Questions about the Stark Street Bridge Replacement project.

Community shares feedback on draft design recommendation

November 2026 Update:

In late August 2026, Multnomah County shared its draft design recommendation for the Stark Street Bridge Replacement Project – and the community showed up with excitement, energy and thoughtful questions!

The County is recommending to preserve the existing bridge and build a new seismically resilient bridge downstream. The existing bridge would be open to cyclists and pedestrians to take in the beauty of the area. This recommendation honors the historical significance of the existing bridge and its contribution to the Historic Columbia River Highway National Landmark District while balancing the need to meet modern safety standards.

Through mid-October, the project team gathered community feedback during several virtual and in-person project briefings to community organizations, tabling at community events, and through an online survey, hearing valuable feedback from hundreds of community members.

You can learn more about how the project team came to this recommendation and see more conceptual renderings in our project library.

Overall, the majority of community members who took the survey shared support for the County moving forward with building a new bridge. Many liked the idea of preserving history and the opportunity for pedestrian and cyclist access on the existing bridge. Many hoped the existing bridge could remain open during future construction. Some offered suggestions on aesthetics, specifically to complement the Historic Columbia River Highway and Columbia River Gorge. Of those opposed to the project, most shared concerns over costs, preference for one bridge, property impacts, and maintenance.

Thanks to everyone who shared comments and questions about the draft design recommendation! Some of the most common project questions can be found on the project’s FAQ page.

Rendering of an aerial view of a new larger bridge next to the existing Stark Street Bridge. Label reads "Conceptual Rendering August 2026". — Conceptual rendering showing a new bridge built downstream from the existing bridge. This image is being shared to help show what the recommendation might look like. Final design work or engineering plans have not been created.

Project goals

Develop a community informed design of a modern, safe, and seismically resilient crossing of the Sandy River
Comply with the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Guidelines
Provide reliable access between east Troutdale and the Historic Columbia River Highway for all travelers, including trucks, emergency responders, agricultural vehicles, school buses, cyclists and pedestrians
Honor the historical significance of the existing bridge and its contribution to the Historic Columbia River Highway National Landmark District

Schedule

Fall 2025 / Winter 2026

Gather information about the area around the bridge
Begin discussions with local, state and federal agencies
Start reaching out to the community

Spring 2026

Collect community feedback on bridge use
Develop and evaluate range of alternatives

Summer/Fall 2026

Share draft recommended design option
Collect community input on draft design recommendation

2027

Finalize draft design recommendation
Complete the Environmental Review Phase

Pending Funding

Design phase (2028-2030, pending funding)
Construction (2031-2033, pending funding)

The County is currently pursuing grants and other funding opportunities to advance this project into the design and construction phases. The project timeline will be updated once funding is secured.

History of the bridge

The Stark Street Bridge over the Sandy River was built in 1914. More than hundred years ago the steel truss bridge carried horses, carts and the occasional Model T in rural Multnomah County. It’s seen a lot over the years.

Today, the bridge has load restrictions that limit heavy vehicles and emergency response access. The narrow 18-foot roadway does not provide enough space for modern motorists, pedestrians or cyclists. Large vehicles can’t easily turn onto the bridge and impacts from trucks have damaged the truss, railings and retaining wall.

In September 2024, the bridge was closed for six months after multiple crashes caused a retaining wall to collapse. Temporary repairs have kept the bridge stable, but a long-term solution is needed.