The Hood River Bridge is closed because it has been deemed unsafe for all forms of traffic due to its age and deteriorating condition. The Port of Hood River has explicitly stated that the structure is nearing the end of its serviceable life, necessitating closure for safety.
Primary Reasons for Closure
The decision to close the Hood River Bridge stems from critical safety assessments. The primary factors contributing to its closure include:
- End of Serviceable Life: The bridge has reached a point where its structural integrity and operational capacity are significantly compromised, indicating it can no longer safely support its intended functions.
- Unsafe Conditions: The current state of the bridge presents hazards to anyone attempting to use it. Specifically, it is considered unsafe for:
- Pedestrians: Those walking or cycling across the bridge face risks.
- Vehicles: Passenger cars, trucks, and other automobiles cannot safely traverse the bridge.
- Commercial Barges: Marine traffic passing beneath the bridge also faces safety concerns related to the structure's condition.
Addressing the Bridge's Condition
To rectify the critical state of the Hood River Bridge and ensure long-term safety and functionality for the community and commercial operations, a complete replacement of the structure is required. This extensive project comes with a substantial estimated cost of $520 million, underscoring the severity of the bridge's condition and the comprehensive solution needed.
Below is a summary of the critical concerns:
| Reason for Closure | Specific Safety Concerns | Affected Parties |
|---|---|---|
| Nearing End of Life | Structural degradation; inability to meet modern safety and load standards. | All users and passing vessels |
| Unsafe for Use | Direct risks of structural failure or accidents due to compromised components. | Pedestrians, Vehicles, Barges |
