The Historic Columbia River Highway is set to reopen by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 26, following the completion of repairs between Larch Mountain Road and Vista House. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) closed this section, also known as U.S. 30, on July 7 to all vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians after damage was discovered from an ancient landslide.
ODOT officials expressed appreciation for the community’s patience during the repair period. This stretch of highway has required ongoing monitoring and maintenance since its original construction over a century ago. In March 2025, geotechnical engineers observed accelerated settling in the area that caused further structural problems with guardrails and downslope areas.
Safety concerns led to the closure of this segment on March 12. Temporary repairs allowed for a brief reopening on March 25 while longer-term solutions were designed for implementation during summer.
Repair work faced several logistical challenges due to the steep slope at the site. Crews used a pulley system to lower heavy materials approximately 100 feet downslope to install three pipe outfalls needed for improved soil drainage. To stabilize the area, workers added geo-grid mesh in layers from the wall into the slope and installed soil anchor nails and wire mesh below the wall.
“This was a quick-build project from design, bid, construction and finish before the rainy season,” ODOT engineer Jason McNeil said. “Fortunately, we have not had any major issues with design, and with the help from the designers and the contractor, we worked through issues quickly to keep the project moving forward and on track.”
Although traffic will resume after reopening, ODOT noted that some lane closures may still occur over several weeks as crews complete final tasks.
The Larch Mountain landslide covers more than 100 acres within Crown Point State Scenic Corridor. The historic highway runs along its edge; about 800 feet cross an active portion just east of Larch Mountain Road’s intersection—roughly half a mile west of Crown Point. Since construction between 1913 and 1922, ground movement has posed persistent challenges for engineers.
A viaduct built during initial construction could not withstand ongoing landslide movement and was replaced in the 1960s by today’s alignment. Retaining walls added in 1983 and again in 2007 have provided additional support but annual ground shifts—sometimes up to one foot per year—have required regular repaving and reassessment.
ODOT also reminded travelers that another closure is planned: The East Viaduct near Multnomah Falls will close starting October 1 through spring 2026 for continued repairs. Westbound vehicles from Hood River will be turned around at Oneonta Trailhead before reaching Multnomah Falls Lodge during this period.
For updates on road conditions or closures, travelers are encouraged to check Tripcheck.com.
While ODOT faces significant funding constraints affecting general maintenance and operations across Oregon highways, most projects like these continue because they are funded through separate state or federal programs dedicated specifically to development rather than day-to-day upkeep.
