As part of the Port’s management and maintenance of the Hood River Interstate Bridge, the Port will oftentimes contract with engineering firms and consultants to conduct studies on various aspects of the bridge structure. As the Port works toward the eventual replacement of the bridge, more studies will be needed. These and other reports will be available to the public for download on this page.
Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA)
June 23-25 2014 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
The Hood River Interstate Bridge: A Case Study in Infrastructure
The 2014 summer conference of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) was held June 23-25 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. PNWA offers multiple opportunities for its members and colleagues to gather and discuss Pacific Northwest navigation, energy, trade and economic development issues. A presentation on “The Hood River Interstate Bridge: A Case Study in Infrastructure Assessment” was presented by executive director Michael McElwee.
2012 Hood River – White Salmon Bridge Structural Considerations For Pedestrian Crossing on the Existing Bridge
Non-Motorized Crossing Alternatives at Hood River Bridge, 2009 Report
In June 2009, the Port of Hood River and the Hood River Valley Residents Committee (HRVRC) contracted with Alta Planning + Design to investigate and recommend a course of action to enable bicyclist and pedestrians to cross the Hood River Bridge.
SR-35 Columbia River Crossing Study (Began 1999)
Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC) along with the Oregon and Washington Departments of Transportation (ODOT & WSDOT), the Port of Hood River and the Port of Klickitat, and the local cities and counties have been working in partnership to find a long-term solution to the Columbia River crossing between Hood River in Oregon and White Salmon and Bingen in Washington.
The SR-35 Columbia River Crossing Study was conducted in response to local business and resident concerns about the safety and viability of the existing Hood River Bridge.
The project began in 1999, with the design of a feasibility study. In 2000, the feasibility study began by identifying project issues, purpose and need statement, and a range of crossing corridors and facility alternatives. This phase (Tier I) determined and initiated the environmental review process, and narrowed the corridors and facility alternatives to those that are most promising and practical. In 2001, the next phase (Tier II) began resulting in the selection of crossing corridor, refinement of the most promising long-term alternatives, and identification of short-term improvement options. This phase also undertook a financial feasibility study to determine if there are sufficient financial resources available to fund a long-term improvement project. In 2002, the final phase (Tier III) of the feasibility study was initiated. This phase was completed in 2004, resulting in the selection of a preferred alternative through a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. In 2010, a Bridge Type, Size, and Location Study (TS&L) began. Bridge concepts were analyzed to identify the concept that best meets the needs of the region. This phase resulted in a recommended bridge type.
With a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and preliminary engineering completed, the next step in the process is the development of a Final Environmental Impact Statement. Although funding is unsecured at this time, a scope of services outline has been developed that lists the activities and areas of further study needed to complete a Final Environmental Impact Statement. Final engineering and right-of-way purchase would follow. Given current local, state, and federal transportation funding limitations, construction of the new SR-35 Columbia River Bridge is likely to be a long-term future project.
2015 Columbia River Port Engineers Study on the Impacts of Heavy Haul Trucking on the Hood River Interstate Bridge
long-term degradation. In particular, whether
there are there toll strategies and/or
enforcement measures that can be taken to
reduce the number of overweight trucks using
the Bridge.
