A 100-year-old bridge spanning a 25-mile-long river in Oregon has reopened just three days after a truck caused severe damage to the structure.
Officials have toyed with the idea of replacing the Hood River Bridge, which serves as a vital route for Columbia Gorge residents, for decades.
And on Thursday morning its stability was further tested when a truck crashed into the lift span, leaving a crack in the beam.
The Port of Hood River, which operates the bridge span, reopened the dilapidated bridge on Sunday, but noted that it “is nearing the end of its useful life.” It is now only open to passenger vehicles.
Commercial trucks are not allowed on the bridge “to prevent another accidental strike against the upper support while the bridge remains damaged,” the Hood River Post said in a statement. Facebook post.
The Hood River-White Salmon Bridge partially reopened Sunday after a semi-trailer truck crashed into the lift span Thursday morning, leaving a crack in the girder.
The truck damaged six beams and reinforcing plates that hold the beams together.
The bridge connects Interstate 84 to Washington State Route 14 between the cities of White Salmon and Hood River, which has a population of more than 8,300.
“Electronic tolling will be implemented and traffic control personnel will be stationed at both entrances 24 hours a day to ensure compliance,” officials said.
“A schedule for permanent repairs will be provided later this week.”
After the accident, the bridge was immediately closed so that engineers could assess the “serious damage.”
No injuries were reported and travelers were asked to take alternative routes.
Mike Fox, co-chairman of the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Authority, said a bucket attached to the truck was sticking out too far at the time of the crash.
Mike Fox, co-chairman of the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Authority, said a bucket attached to the truck was sticking out too far at the time of the crash.
The semi-trailer truck damaged six beams and reinforcing plates, which hold the beams in place.
“The reinforcement plates where it hit were severely damaged, in fact they were torn and then bent,” Fox said.
“They will most likely need to be replaced, along with some of the beams.”
On Sunday morning, the Hood River Harbor Commission met with engineers to review recommendations and determine if it was safe to reopen the bridge.
Many Columbia Gorge residents rely on the bridge to travel to work, shopping areas and medical services in Hood River.
Hood River County Administrator Allisson Williams explained that about 30 percent of Hood River employees live outside the county and rely on the bridge for travel.
Williams expressed concern that if the bridge had to be closed for a longer period of time, it would slow service and lengthen commutes for workers.
White Salmon Mayor Marla Keethler said the city is now focused on creating an emergency plan.
The bridge connects Interstate 84 to Washington State Route 14, between the cities of White Salmon and Hood River, which has a population of more than 8,300.
When the bridge was first closed following the accident, Keethler said it would have a “direct and immediate impact” on the community.
She said Oregon Public Broadcasting the city was considering ferry service or transportation options for the community.
The bridge was built in 1924 and was completely renovated in 1938. The Port of Hood River has been preparing to replace the old structure, as the agency said it is unsafe for commercial barges, vehicles and pedestrians.
In March, the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Replacement Project announced it was receiving an additional $8 million in federal funding under the bridge replacement project. website.
Prior to the additional funding, the project received a $200 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Fox said: ‘We are committed to delivering a new bridge by October 2029, and this funding brings us a lot closer.
‘What’s more, every dollar we receive from the government is a dollar that local residents will not have to pay back in tolls for the future bridge.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Washington and Oregon Congressional delegation for securing funding for this critical interstate connector.”
Hood River County Administrator Allisson Williams explained that about 30 percent of Hood River employees live outside the county and rely on the bridge for their daily commutes.
Fox admitted he was not surprised by the accident, which he said “had to happen.”
In May 2021, Fox admitted that the bridge is “old,” “narrow,” and considered “unsafe” by many people.
“Replacement efforts have been too slow and fragmented. This must change immediately to ensure a new bridge is in place before the old one closes,” he said. Columbia Gorge News.
The co-chairman previously said the new bridge could begin construction by late 2025, with completion estimated for 2029.
He admitted that he was not surprised by the accident, which he said “was inevitable.”
“Sooner or later it was bound to happen,” he said. “Now we have to put it back together and get back to business.”
DailyMail.com has reached out to Fox and the Port of Hood River for comment.
