Travelers along the Historic Columbia River Highway were met with welcome news on Monday, as the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced the road's temporary reopening at Larch Mountain Road. The section had been closed since March 12, when concerns about roadway settling prompted officials to intervene. Following assessments and emergency repairs, the famed stretch of U.S. 30 was deemed safe for traffic once more.
ODOT reportedly "sealed the cracking and placed orange drums for improved visibility," which allowed for the highway's reopening. Despite the good news, the agency has cautioned that the situation is a dynamic one, requiring daily slope monitoring. A statement obtained by ORDOT underscored the necessity for drivers to stay informed: "Please check TripCheck.com before you use this route because work will continue in this slide area." Potential lane and full closures could still lead to delays, as the threat posed by unstable terrain persists.
Looking ahead to longer-term solutions, the summer months are slated to bring substantial repairs, aligning with drying ground conditions. The section of highway in question is no stranger to geological challenges; it sits atop an ancient landslide, proving problematic since the road's construction over a century ago. As evidenced by past interventions, including the construction of a retaining wall and annual reparations, ODOT has diligently tracked and tackled the site's instability.
Meanwhile, another portion of the Historic Highway remains closed just west of Multnomah Falls due to the ongoing Multnomah Falls Viaduct project. Officials anticipate reopening this segment in time for the bustling summer tourist season. The area's geological history, particularly the Larch Mountain landslide, continues to dictate the ebb and flow of the roadway's accessibility. Despite efforts to adapt over the years, including the removal of a problematic viaduct and the implementation of a retaining wall, the land proves a relentless shifter, occasionally moving as much as 12 inches a year.
