Stark Street Bridge Replacement

Draft Recommended Design Option for a New Bridge

August 2026 Update: Over the last several months, Multnomah County explored a number of options to replace the Stark Street Bridge. The project team also conducted public outreach, hearing valuable feedback from hundreds of community members.

Based on the feedback from the community and key findings from our historic baseline review of the existing bridge, the county has arrived at a draft recommended design option for a safer and resilient Stark Street Bridge.

Multnomah County recommends preserving the existing bridge and building a new seismically resilient bridge downstream. The existing bridge would be open to people walking or biking 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.

You can learn more about how we came to this recommendation, see more conceptual renderings, and share your input here:

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.

Share your input on the recommendation through October 19.

Come visit us at an open house in Corbett:
We invite you to learn more and talk to project staff, and share your thoughts about the draft recommended design option.

Thursday, September 17
Drop by between 5:30-7:30 pm
Corbett Fire Hall
36930 E. Historic Columbia River Highway

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

Learn more and share your input on the bridge recommendation by October 19!

Two people stand smiling in front of an information table at an outdoor event.

Four people stand smiling behind an information table at an outdoor event.

In late spring and early summer 2026, the county asked people how they use the bridge and what should be considered in the replacement. A survey was advertised through the project e-mail list and social media, with schools and at presentations to many East County committees and community groups. Now we are seeking community input on the bridge recommendation.

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 and evaluate range of alternatives

Summer/Fall 2026

Share shortlist of range of alternatives
Share draft recommended design option
Collect community input on draft recommendation

2027

Finalize recommended design option
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.