TRAFFIC ALERT: Effective immediately, the Stark Street Bridge is closed to all semi-trucks and commercial trucks that weigh more than 19 tons and are traveling from the Historic Columbia River Highway. Signs are now posted near the bridge alerting drivers. The County is coordinating with its partner the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), who owns and maintains the Historic Columbia River Highway, to formally implement this restriction.
“The County is making this change after semi-trucks have repeatedly hit the bridge, frequently taking the turn onto the bridge too quickly,” Multnomah County Transportation Division Director Jon Henrichsen said. “These crashes often result in damage to the bridge or its approach. To keep everyone safe, this new restriction will be in place until the bridge is replaced.”
- Use alternative routes: Trucks within weight limits can use the Sandy River Bridge or additional exits off I-84 to connect to Troutdale and Gresham.
- School buses and small delivery trucks are not subject to this restriction.
- Semi-trucks within weight restrictions traveling from Gresham may cross the bridge to get to the Historic Columbia River Highway.
- If a truck violates this vehicle restriction, they could be subject to a fine and/or liable for any damage as a result of the violation.
Background
In Sept. 2024 a supporting stone wall for the Stark Street Bridge partially collapsed. The bridge was closed for six months for emergency repairs and reopened on March 6, 2025. The partial collapse in 2024 was caused by a series of crashes by vehicles and large trucks over the last decade that weakened the supporting wall.
The County rebuilt the north bridge approach during those emergency repairs, making it safe for all traffic to use the bridge. However, since the bridge reopened, semi-trucks continue to crash into the bridge while making the turn from the Historic Columbia Highway. The County is working to repair the latest damage from a recent crash into the bridge in October.
Multnomah County maintains the Stark Street Bridge on the Sandy River. For information, visit: https://www.multco.us/bridges.
Bridge replacement
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.
For project information, visit: https://multco.us/info/stark-street-bridge-replacement.