Project Information
- Location: North approach to the Stark Street Bridge over the Sandy River, east of Troutdale
- Schedule: Partial reopening expected end of February 2025
- Estimated Cost: To be determined
- Funding Source: County roadway funds
Click here for the latest updates on the project.
The County hears and values the Corbett community. We know there have been concerns in the past about not feeling heard or being forgotten in East County. Please know, the County absolutely cares about our East County residents and businesses. We recognize there are not many short detour routes when this bridge is closed and the County is committed to working as quickly as it can to reopen the bridge.
The County understands the current closure of the Stark Street Bridge has had a significant impact on the Corbett community. The County is doing everything it can to get the bridge back open, to make the process as smooth as possible and to provide regular website updates for residents and the neighboring community. Emergency repairs to the Stark Street Bridge approach are a top priority for the Transportation Division.
Project Description
We are planning emergency repairs to the north approach to the Stark Street Bridge. The bridge closed September 17 when the northwest retaining wall on the approach collapsed. The northeast retaining wall across from it is also at risk of collapse.
The Stark Street Bridge and roadway were built in 1914. Over the last decade, multiple crashes by cars and trucks have damaged the retaining walls on the north approach.
The approach to the bridge from the Historic Columbia River Highway needs to be rebuilt. It will not be safe for car and truck traffic until then. The bridge will likely partially open to local traffic by the end of February, depending on weather. This means one lane of traffic would be open, while crews work on the safety rails of the retaining wall.
We have been consulting with the Oregon Department of Transportation, who maintains the highway. We have also been talking to engineers, biologists, historical resource experts and our contractor. We are now working as well with utilities who will be affected by the roadway construction.
With the bridge closed, we also found a 6 to 8 inch hole in the bridge deck. This has now been repaired.
Weekly Look-Ahead: 11/22/24
See an archive of past updates.
- The Oregon Department of Transportation’s state traffic engineer is currently reviewing the project’s traffic control plan. Once that is reviewed, ODOT can approve the permit that allows construction to start.
- Utility companies are wrapping up work to move communication and power lines away from the soon-to-be construction site.
- The project is in the process of finalizing shoring design to preserve the Historic Columbia River Highway during construction. Shoring is a wall to help keep the highway intact and to keep the workers safe in the excavation. It is required to access the work zone at the end of the bridge. Shoring will have to be in place during excavation for safety and to maintain Historic Columbia River Highway.
- The erosion control plan is nearing completion. The contractor will install netting and filter barrier to stop any rolling rock or sediment from getting into the river.
Traffic Impacts
- Weekly updates on traffic or construction are posted at This Week In Roads.
The bridge will remain closed to cars and trucks until repairs are complete. Drivers should detour to the Sandy River Bridge in Troutdale.
The sidewalk on the bridge will remain open to bicycles and pedestrians until construction, and then a detour will be posted.
Please drive safely. Survey crews or other workers may be on the shoulder or the side of the road at various times. Please be careful and drive slowly when workers are present.
We are interested in your feedback on this project. Please fill in the form below if you have comments, questions or suggestions.
