A scenic stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway (U.S. 30) between Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls reopened last week, ahead of its projected Memorial Day completion.
The early reopening follows extensive restoration of the west viaduct, a 1914 elevated roadway listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Crews reinforced the structure, patched original decorative concrete and poured a new roadway surface. One lane remains open to vehicles and bicyclists, though the viaduct remains closed to pedestrians. Travelers can expect intermittent single-lane closures with flaggers this summer as finishing work on railings and site cleanup continues.
“This project preserves a critical link to Oregon’s transportation heritage while making it safer and more sustainable for the future,” officials said in a release.
Beginning in October, the east viaduct near Multnomah Falls will close to all traffic through spring 2026 for similar repairs. Drivers should expect periodic lane closures during pre-construction staging.
Visitors may now access Multnomah Falls Lodge and nearby trails via U.S. 30 west of the lodge. A Timed Use Permit will be required to park at Interstate 84 Exit 31 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m, May 23 through Sept. 1.
Roughly 4,000 vehicles travel this historic route daily. Restoration work includes matching original 1914 aesthetics, stabilizing railings and beams and updating signage.
Source: Content/govdelivery.com, Beaverstatenews.com
