The Oregon Department of Transportation announced on April 3 that construction will start this month on the Tower Road Interchange Bridge over Interstate 84, near Exit 159 west of Boardman. The project is expected to cause intermittent lane closures and detours for travelers beginning April 16.
The bridge repairs are necessary because the structure is showing signs of wear. The planned improvements aim to preserve and extend the bridge’s lifespan, enhance safety, and delay the need for a full replacement.
According to the schedule released by officials, crews will bring equipment onsite and install erosion control measures during the week of April 7. From April 16 through April 30, single-lane closures will be in effect on I-84 in both directions as workers install a containment system under the bridge to capture debris safely.
Closures affecting Tower Road itself are set to begin in May. Northbound lanes will close with a signed detour during the week of May 11, followed by southbound closure with another detour starting the week of May 26. A full closure of Tower Road Bridge is planned from June 6 through June 25; during this time, westbound travelers will use a detour route while Love’s Truck Stop remains open for eastbound drivers and those using alternate routes.
Detours have been outlined for both eastbound and westbound traffic. Eastbound travelers can continue accessing Tower Road and Love’s Truck Stop from Exit 159. Westbound drivers should take Exit 151 at Three Mile Canyon, head east on I-84, then exit again at Exit 159 to reach their destination. To return westbound from Tower Road or Love’s Truck Stop, motorists must take Exit 159 eastward to Exit 165 before rejoining westbound I-84.
Construction activities include repairing the bridge deck surface and adding approach slabs, updating railings and protective fencing, fixing wing walls and guardrails, as well as paving Tower Road approaches. Paving work along with striping and sign installation is scheduled for July; occasional nighttime ramp or lane closures may occur until completion.
