After three months of construction, Multnomah County has successfully paved and repaired seven miles of E. Larch Mountain Road. The road is now open until its regularly scheduled snow closure this winter.
Larch Mountain is the highest road in the County’s jurisdiction and is heavily used for recreation in the scenic Columbia River Gorge.
“E. Larch Mountain Road has been in need of substantial improvements for many years,” Project Manager Sara Jeffrey said. “There were potholes and areas of the road that seemed to be sinking from base failures. The vegetation was overgrowing over the sides of the roadway. This project has made this road safer for all road users.”
Jeffrey says the varied terrain along the road made the repaving process more difficult to navigate.
The newly paved road will provide safer access for everyone who uses it to seek out and enjoy hiking trails and breathtaking views — whether they walk, ride a bicycle or drive.
“I know for our East Multnomah County residents and visitors alike, this infrastructure will make a tremendous difference and improve access to one of the beautiful scenic areas in our County,” Multnomah County Commissioner Lori Stegmann said. “This project is an example of the lasting improvements on our roads that our Transportation Division can create when we have the funding to do so.”
It’s more than just a road project. It’s about what it gives the community.
This project is one of the largest Multnomah County Transportation repaving and road infrastructure investments this fiscal year.
You can also watch a commemorative video showcasing a community celebration ahead of the road's official reopening.
For more information on all of Multnomah County Transportation's current road projects, visit: multco.us/roads.
