BUILDING A BETTER BRIDGE
A new Hood River-White Salmon Bridge is critical to the regional and national economy, freight and passenger vehicle safety, and families accessing essential services. Built in 1924, the existing bridge is outdated, unsafe and costly to maintain.
ABOUT THE HOOD RIVER-WHITE SALMON BRIDGE PROJECT
The Hood River White-Salmon Bridge Project is working to replace a critical piece of infrastructure that supports daily American life. For families that live in Hood River, White Salmon, and Bingen, it’s the only direct link to jobs, schools, childcare, medical care and loved ones.
With state and local funding secured and federal environmental approval expected this year, the project is seeking the final federal investment needed to advance into construction in 2027. Here’s what’s coming:
A new bridge built to modern standards. The structure will have wider lanes and deeper foundations, providing a safer connection from Hood River to White Salmon and Bingen.
New connections for bicycles and pedestrians. The current bridge only accommodates vehicles. The new structure will allow bicycles and pedestrians to cross the river for the first time.
Safer marine navigation. The new navigational channel will provide 450-feet of clearance—200 feet more than the existing channel. This will dramatically improve safety and efficiency for barge operators and ensure a more reliable shipping route for goods across the region.
IMPROVING SAFETY & CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
The Hood River-White Salmon Bridge is an essential crossing for people living along the Columbia River Gorge. The project creates safe and new access for local communities:
Seismically resilient
Wider vehicle lanes with shoulders
Protected bike and pedestrian pathway
Emergency vehicle access
Expanded navigational clearance
STRENGTHENING THE REGIONAL ECOMONY
This bi-state project is a cornerstone for critical industries across the region, including timber, agriculture, and advanced drone technology. A new bridge will drive economic growth and connectivity. Economic benefits include:
A more reliable link for farms and factories to global supply chains
Better access for freight and marine traffic carrying critical goods
Improved connectivity for small businesses and tourism
New jobs during construction will help build a stronger local workforce
MOMENTUM AND A BRIDGE FOR THE FUTURE
A BETTER BRIDGE IS CLOSER THAN EVER.
State and local dollars are committed.
Final design is underway.
Environmental review nearly done.
The project is actively pursuing the final federal investment needed to begin construction in 2027.
A new bridge built to modern standards will support the demands of today and the needs for the future. Let’s make it happen!
WHAT’S HAPPENING
“The bridge is more than a bridge.
It’s a lifeline that benefits our states,
region and nation.”
— Marla Keethler, Mayor of White Salmon
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