Interstate 84 near McCord Creek will be reduced to one lane in both directions starting Thursday, October 16, as part of the McCord Creek Bridge Replacement Project. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced that the lane closures will continue through late 2025, with construction expected to last until fall 2026. The project site is located near Warrendale, approximately seven miles west of Cascade Locks.
The bridge replacement aims to eliminate a dip in the highway, improve safety, and increase the road’s earthquake resilience and lifespan. According to ODOT, “The McCord Creek Bridge is located near Warrendale, about 7 miles west of Cascade Locks. The bridge replacement project will eliminate a dip in the highway and improve safety, and increase earthquake resilience and the lifespan of the highway. Construction will continue into Fall 2026.”
Since early September, one eastbound lane has been closed as crews have been drilling under the eastbound bridge to install new support shafts. These preparations are necessary for eastbound traffic to share the westbound bridge starting in spring 2026. Beginning this week, one westbound lane will also close while crews drill under both bridges, start building a retaining wall, and finish preparing the work zone for a future crossover traffic configuration. The retaining wall will support the westbound bridge foundation during demolition of the aging eastbound bridge, scheduled for spring 2026.
Travelers on I-84 should expect around-the-clock single-lane and shoulder closures at McCord Creek through late 2025. The NE Frontage Road on-ramp to eastbound I-84 at the Elowah Falls Trailhead parking lot will remain closed during construction, requiring drivers to detour to Ainsworth State Park (Exit 35) for eastbound access.
In spring 2026, eastbound traffic will share the westbound bridge for up to five months, with I-84 reduced to one lane in each direction during this period.
ODOT encourages drivers to use zipper merging when approaching closed lanes, stating, “Zipper merging is when drivers remain in their current lane until the lane ends so traffic can take turns merging.” The agency notes that this method uses all available space, reduces backups, and promotes safer merging at slower speeds.
Travelers are advised to pay attention to orange signs, barrels, cones, and barricades, obey speed limits, expect delays, and follow all signs and flaggers for safety when passing through work zones.
For updates, ODOT recommends visiting TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1.
