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Your source for updates and information regarding efforts to remember, restore and reconnect the Historic Highway and State Trail - a world class adventure from Portland to The Dalles.

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Advisory Committee to meet Oct. 26 in Hood River The Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday, October 26 at 10 a.m at the Columbia Gorge Hotel in the Hood River.

The Advisory Committee meeting will include updates on the , the current construction project, the Crossing alternatives study and the Congestion Management and Transportation Safety planning effort presently underway.

For more information see HistoricHighway.org.

Eagle Creek Fire Update As of October 11, according to the Eagle Creek Fire Incident managers, the fire has burned 48,831 acres and is 50 percent contained.

Cooler temperatures and rain will help reduce the potential for significant fire activity. The uncontained portion of the fire is in steep, inaccessible terrain and fire managers do not anticipate the wildfire will spread in these areas.

Falling trees and rocks punched through wooden railings and decorative rail along the Historic Highway. Rocks of varying sizes slid down slopes and off of steep hillsides. In many places, the rocks and trees line that the road and those in the distance are charred and likely weakened.

The fire removed vegetation, underbrush and tree roots that support the Columbia Gorge. We expect to see land and rock slides with additional rain.

ODOT crews and hired contractors continue to remove trees in danger of falling into the roadway, scale slopes to remove debris and rocks, and inspect structures.

The Historic Highway will remain closed until hazards have been removed and it is safe to open.

The wood lining and portal timbers inside of the Oneonta Tunnel caught fire, and there are concerns about heat-related damage to the structural shotcrete under the wood. The bluffs on either side of the tunnel continue to drop rocks, and our engineers have been unable to safely determine any additional structural damage.

Once we are able to safely access the inside of the structure and determine what restoration is needed, we will determine the cost to rehabilitate the wood and any additional damage and pursue funding to restore the tunnel.

Thank you for continuing to stay off the Historic Columbia River Highway and State Trail, as well as all the trails closed due to the Eagle Creek Fire.

Fire photos with labeled landmarks Tom Kloster of the WyEast blog pulled together some photos of the Eagle Creek Fire, with landmarks labeled.

State Trail construction from Wyeth to Lindsey Creek Despite the devastating Eagle Creek fire still burning in the background of the majestic Gorge requiring a short break from construction, the Historic Highway State Trail work is on track.

This segment of trail features many exciting structures including a pedestrian bridge paralleling Gorton Creek Bridge, Summit Creek Viaduct and the Lindsey Creek Benchcut.

The Gorton Creek pedestrian Bridge is starting to take shape with its wing walls, abutment and girders.

The trail alignment currently has a hilly appearance that will be smoothed out to create a gentle grade no steeper than 5 percent.

Rock blasting, where crews use a carefully calculated amount of explosives in a controlled explosion, needed for the Lindsey Creek Benchcut began last week and will continue once a week through mid-November. We will be posting videos of the rock blasting on our Facebook page.

Six micropiles, small in diameter piles, are being installed for the foundation of the Summit Creek Viaduct. These micropiles are drilled into the bedrock 25 feet deep.

Tasting the State Trail "The Historic Columbia River Highway Trail is truly one of the singular routes in - and a ride almost anyone can enjoy. When you pair a stupendously beautiful route with a relaxed, car-free environment, it's a chance to soak in the best of Oregon with family or friends. Oh, and there's really great food and drink available, too."

We can hardly wait until the State Trail is back open! In the meantime, visit Travel Oregon and Bikeabout's post and start planning your adventure!

Terra Lingley | Oregon Department of Transportation 503-731-8232 | [email protected]

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