Erin Chipps

I wanted to give everyone a heads up on a road construction project happening in the Gorge this fall.

My office, Federal Highway Administration - Western Federal Lands, is ramping up to start construction on a section of the Historic Columbia River Highway between its intersection with Larch Mountain Road and Latourell Falls. Construction will involve repairing and restoring the viaduct that carries the highway around the Vista House and repaving several miles of highway. If you're out for a weekday training ride, expect delays of up to 30 minutes starting next week and going through August.

In September, the road will be closed to everyone, including cyclists and pedestrians, between the Vista House and Latourell Falls. Expect road closures to be in effect on weekends as well. The Vista House will still be open.

The entire section of the historic highway between Larch Mountain and Latourell will be closed from October 1st to December 31st. The Vista House will also be closed to the public during this time.

If your heart is set on riding to Multnomah Falls (or beyond) during the closure periods, and you're up for the fun of a dirt/gravel/pavement ride, the Alex Barr Rd and Palmer Mill Rd routes should be open and accessible. Otherwise, we ask that you please stay out of the closed construction areas.

For more information on what's happening out there and why, please visit the project website: www.wfl.fhwa.dot.gov/projects/or/crownpoint/

Ride safe!
Erin Chipps
Environmental Protection Specialist
Federal Highway Administration