Multnomah Falls Gate Activated to Increase Safety for I-84 Drivers
During the summer, the parking lot at Multnomah Falls exceeds its capacity several times a year especially on weekends. Cars waiting for parking spaces sometimes back up onto the eastbound I-84 travel lanes, creating a safety hazard.
ODOT has activated a new gate at the exit from eastbound Interstate 84 to Multnomah Falls that will close automatically when the parking lot is full, as measured by automatic traffic counters and will re-open once the capacity declines significantly.
When the gate is closed, visitors will need to stay on I-84 and return to Multnomah Falls when the lot has re-opened. Visitor counts are highest in the middle of the day while counts are less in the early morning or late afternoon.
One could use the small parking lot on the Historic Columbia River Highway but it is often full on busy days.
Two large message boards will notify eastbound motorists when it is closed, one at Benson State Park west of Multnomah Falls and the other before the exit to the falls. You can also check before you start your trip to the Falls www.TripCheck.com.
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Gorge Hubs: Building Momentum
Gorge Hubs are rest and information stations located along the Historic Highway. They also provide an opportunity for the communities to capitalize on the economic benefits of recreational tourism by welcoming bicyclists, hikers, families, and other tourists.
The Gorge Hub project is moving forward by a partnership of communities along the Historic Highway including Wood Village, Troutdale, Cascade Locks, Hood River, Mosier, and The Dalles with help from Travel Oregon, State Parks and ODOT.
The project is seeking funding from two grant opportunities. The first is funding from the ODOT and the Oregon Department Land Conservation and Development. This funding would be used to identify hub locations in
Gorge communities, hold community design workshops to develop Gorge Hub concepts and plans, and develop structural plans for each facility.
 | Gorge Hub Working Group representing Cascade Locks, Mosier, Hood River, Wood Village, West Gorge Chamber, Travel Oregon & ODOT |
The team is also seeking Travel Oregon funding to develop a series of maps, information templates and wayfinding signage for the Gorge Hubs that would be consistent with the Historic Highway Wayfinding Plan. This grant would be used to develop and print the signage, information and mapping that would be located on the physical Hubs.
The goal is to create a network of Hubs that create a cohesive and unified experience for the visitors along the Historic Highway. |
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