Finding Your Way on the Historic Highway
At the March 2013 Historic Highway Advisory Committee meeting, a new sign plan for the Historic Highway State Trail was approved.
The idea behind the plan was to help visually connect the drivable segments of the highway with the
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The new sign plan helps hikers and cyclists identify the Historic Highway State Trail |
State Trail segments. It is important that visitors,
especially cyclists, can find their way through the Gorge on the Historic Highway and this plan will help make that easier. The new signs will incorporate the Historic Route 30 shield. Unfortunately, no funding is presently available for the new signs but with the plan in place we will be seeking implementation funds.
For more information on the plan, click here.
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Go the Extra Mile - Ride Single File
The Historic Columbia River Highway is one of Oregon's most popular and scenic destinations regardless of your preferred mode of travel. The 73-mile route from Troutdale to The Dalles provides the most amazing views that the Columbia River Gorge has to offer, from waterfalls to windswept high plains. The highway was constructed in 1913 with a maximum 5 percent grade, making it an ideal route for a long distance bike ride. The Historic Highway is also a designated National Scenic Byway, making it a popular shared route for motorists and bicyclists alike. In 2013, the Historic Highway will see improvements that will make this scenic gem more accessible, with more opportunities for visitors to enjoy the Gorge by foot, bike, and car.
On May 24th, the section of the Historic Highway between Larch Mountain Road and Latourell Falls reopened after being closed to all traffic (including bicycles and pedestrians) through the winter while repairs were made to the Crown Point Viaduct around Vista House. The Historic Highway will have periodic lane closures until repairs are completed in mid-June. These closures may cause small delays for all users, so please plan ahead and be alert and courteous when sharing the road.
Narrow and winding sections of roadway contribute to the Historic Highway's charm, but can also lead to tension between users, especially during the peak summer months. This spring ODOT will install Share the Road signs in several locations along the Historic Highway between the Sandy River and Vista House to alert drivers to the presence of cyclists. This road is a precious resource that is shared by many users and it is important that we are all respectful and considerate to one another. ODOT is also working with local communities and organizations to increase understanding of proper road-sharing behavior:
- Motorists should pass cyclists with care when it is safe to do so, and be patient in areas where topography, debris, or the narrow roadway makes it safer for cyclists to ride in the center of the lane.
- Cyclists should ride to the right and single-file when traffic approaches and allow motorists to pass when the road is wide enough to safely do so.
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Columbia River Gorge: World Heritage Site?
At the 2013 Active Transportation Summit on April 24th in Salem, Dr. A J Zelada, the chair of the Oregon Pedestrian Bicycle Advisory Committee challenged the audience to imagine the impact a World Heritage Site designation would have on Columbia River Gorge. The Gorge has potential to be a World Heritage Site and England's Hadrian's Wall Heritage Site is a terrific role model to follow. The economic development that England has experienced has brought consistent and beneficial support to many communities along this nationally significant trail.
Dr. Zelada encouraged Oregonians to see the Gorge and the Historic Highway through this new lens. A World Heritage Site Designation would help bridge the east and west Gorge and focus our attention on the beauty, unique natural and cultural history present in the entire Gorge.
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A scenic view of the Eagle Creek Bridge Could this be a World Heritage Site? |
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Happy Birthday Troutdale Bridge
The Troutdale Historical Society held a great birthday party for the Troutdale Bridge on April 20, 2013. The party celebrated the bridge's 101st year serving the community of Troutdale.
The celebration was a fun reason for Highway supporters to celebrate and dress up (participants donned vintage clothes from the 1910s). With an inspirational speech from Gertrude Glutsch Jensen (Sharon Nesbit)and encouraging words from HCRH designer Sam Lancaster him
self (Chet Orloff) the group marched across the bridge for a photo opportunity and then gathered for a catered brunch at Glen Otto Park.
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Sam Lancaster (as depicted by Chett Orloff) addresses the crowd. |
The event kicked of a fundraising campaign for the Troutdale Historical Society's exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Columbia River Highway in 2016.
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Love the Historic Highway?
Why not adopt it?
The Adopt-A-Highway program provides an opportunity for volunteers to clean up litter and remove noxious weeds along the Historic Highway. Several scenic segments along the Historic Highway are still up for grabs! Volunteers may be individuals, families, groups or businesses and must be willing to commit to at least one year of volunteer service with a minimum of litter clean up four times a year or noxious weed removal two times a year. Work activities may also include graffiti removal and maintenance of existing landscaped areas.
To learn more click here or call Marlene Nichols
at 503-665-4193. |