Western Federal Lands Highway Division

Project Overview

The Crown Point Viaduct is an approximately 600-foot-long concrete structure located on the Historic Columbia River Highway (HCRH) adjacent to Vista House within the boundaries of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The purpose of this structure is to carry the highway around the rock formation at Crown Point which was a serious obstacle to its construction in 1914. It includes a seven-foot-wide sidewalk, a foundation wall along the inside of the viaduct, and 29 support columns.

While the focus of the project is rehabilitation of the Crown Point Viaduct, the project area includes restoration of portions of HCRH between Larch Mountain Road and Crown Point and between Crown Point and Latourell Falls. The HCRH is one of only two roads in the United States designated as a National Historic Landmark, a National Scenic Byway, and a National Historic District. Vista House at Crown Point was recently remodeled and no additional improvements to it are proposed as part of the viaduct restoration project.

Nearly one hundred years old, the viaduct structure and retaining walls are deteriorating. If left unrepaired, the structure and walls could fail and have significant safety impacts, as well as result in loss of this historic structure. Without restoring and repairing the viaduct, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) would most likely need to impose weight restrictions for vehicles, which could prevent buses, RVs and other large vehicles from traveling the HCRH and accessing Crown Point. Restriction of access to the HCRH and Crown Point would have significant adverse affects on the local and regional economy.

Content Sections

• Project Elements
• Road Closures and Traffic Management
• Public Involvement
• Project Map