Drivers in Multnomah County can expect to see some delays starting next week as construction kicks off on the north approach of the Stark Street Bridge. A retaining wall in need of repair and replacement will put the Historic Columbia River Highway down to a single lane, controlled by temporary traffic signals. According to Multnomah County, the lane reduction will be a 24-hour fixture for the duration of the construction work, and speed will be knocked down to 45 miles per hour within the work zone.

The bridge, an essential thoroughfare for local traffic, was closed in September after a supporting stone wall partially collapsed, attributed to repetitive impacts by vehicles over the years. Repair efforts by Multnomah County have been underway to quickly to design the necessary fixes. Safety constraints necessitate moving critical infrastructure, such as communication and utility lines out of harm's way, making a complex task out of steering clear of disarray during reconstruction.

Alternate paths have been laid out for commuters who typically traverse this scenic route. The preferred detour during the construction phase routes vehicles to the Sandy River Bridge in Troutdale. The bridge is anticipated to reopen, albeit partially, come the end of February, weather permitting.

Multnomah County has promised weekly updates on its project page to keep residents informed. Ken Bossen, the Multnomah County Transportation Road Maintenance Supervisor, is the point of contact for those seeking more details on the construction process. With regulatory hoops notwithstanding, the County has had to secure permissions from ODOT and pass through federal and historical reviews due to the site's unique location and significance.

This emergency repair is part of a longer-term vision to address the aging bridge's needs. Plans to either replace or heavily rehabilitate the bridge were already in the pipeline, with a permanent solution to the approach being a key future goal. For now, motorists will have to weather the storm of construction-related congestion with the assurance that these disruptions are paving the way for a sturdier, safer traverse across the Stark Street Bridge.