Project Information
- Location: North approach to the Stark Street Bridge over the Sandy River, east of Troutdale
- Schedule: Expected completion in early 2025
- Estimated Cost: To be determined
- Funding Source: County roadway funds
Weekly updates on traffic or construction are posted at This Week In Roads.
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. This could take up to six months.
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.
With the bridge closed, we also found a 6 to 8 inch hole in the bridge deck. This is being repaired now.
Traffic Impacts
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.
Historic Columbia River Highway, October 2024
A contractor will be doing geotechnical investigations on the Historic Columbia River Highway. They are studying the rocks and soil beneath the road surface. This will ensure we don’t damage the highway while repairing the bridge approach, and that we build a sturdy new roadway.
This work is scheduled for daytime hours, from Tuesday, October 8 through Thursday, October 10. There will be single lane closures and brief delays. Flaggers will direct traffic.
We are interested in your feedback on this project. Please fill in the form below if you have comments, questions or suggestions.
