We want to hear from you! We want to know how you use the bridge so we can better understand your connection to it and how you use it in your daily life.
About the project
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.
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
Public outreach
Through early summer 2026, the project team will be gathering general input from the public on bridge usage and the community’s connection to the bridge.
Take our Community Survey by June 30!
We’ll have additional engagement opportunities. Sign up for email list below for updates.
If you have questions, comments, or information to share with us about the area, please fill in the form below or email us directly at StarkStreetBridge@multco.us. The project team is also available to give presentations to your community group or organization.
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 range of alternatives
- Develop draft evaluation criteria
Summer 2026
- Share shortlist of range of alternatives
- Share draft evaluation criteria
- Collect community input
Fall 2026
- Share draft preferred alternative
2027
- Select a preferred alternative
- Complete the Environmental Review Phase
Pending Funding
- Design phase
- Construction
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.