About the project
Multnomah County is leading an effort to replace the Stark Street Bridge. The current crossing over the Sandy River serves as a critical connection for East County residents and access to the scenic Columbia River Gorge. It’s more than 110 years old and at the end of its service life.
This project will evaluate potential options for replacing the existing bridge with a new structure that integrates seamlessly into the natural area, while meeting modern design and safety standards.
Project goals
- Replace the current Stark Street Bridge with a seismically resilient crossing
- Design a bridge that complies with the National Scenic Area Act
- Provide safe, reliable access between east Troutdale and the Historic Columbia River Highway for all travelers, including emergency responders, agricultural vehicles, school buses, cyclists and pedestrians
- Minimize impacts to the environment
- Honor the history of the bridge and its scenic location
- Minimize impact to nearby neighbors
- Plan ahead for construction impacts, including detours
Public outreach
In fall 2025 through mid-2026, the project team will be gathering general input from the public on bridge usage and the community’s connection to the bridge.
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
2025-6
- Examine the physical location constraints for replacing the bridge
- Begin discussions with other local, state and federal agencies
- Gather general community input on bridge usage
- Explore grant funding opportunities
- Evaluate options
2027
- Select a preferred alternative
- Gather community input on bridge aesthetics
Additional work pending
- 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.