The Historic Columbia River Highway has reopened east of Multnomah Falls with a major milestone in a two-year restoration project.
The East Multnomah Falls Viaduct reopened on Friday evening, May 15, after about seven months of work restoring the second of two elevated sections of the historic highway, also known as U.S. 30.Â
This concludes the last of two significant closures in a two-year project to repair the two historic viaducts, which are over 100 years old. Finishing the work marks a significant milestone toward restoring and extending the service life of the original “King of Roads” through the Columbia River Gorge from Troutdale to The Dalles.
Over the summer, travelers can occasionally expect to see flaggers directing traffic while crews clean up the site, complete finishing touches on the railings and install permanent striping.
These viaducts on the historic highway on either side of Multnomah Falls are open to vehicles less than 35 feet long and bicycle travel only.
Since work began on the east viaduct in October 2025, crews patched the original decorative concrete, reinforced the structural stability of the aging structure and poured a new road surface. The repair work ensures the structure continues carrying traffic near Multnomah Falls for years to come while preserving the historic integrity so that the viaducts, with their unique railings and stone support walls, look similar to when they were built in 1914.
The viaduct repairs included:
Removing the aging asphalt and installing a new concrete surface to match the original 1914 design in color and texture.
Repairing concrete railings, vertical columns, and horizontal support beams under the viaduct – which have cracks and exposed rebar – to improve stability and address erosion.
Replacing permanent signs to meet current standards.
