About
History
The original Mitchell Point Tunnel was built in 1915 and included five arched windows where drivers could experience scenic views of the Columbia River from the highway. The tunnel was closed in 1953 for safety and because it could no longer accommodate growing traffic volumes and increasing car sizes, ultimately being destroyed in 1966 to widen I-84.
The Mitchell Point Tunnel
We received federal funds to design and rebuild the Mitchell Point Tunnel and connect the Historic Highway State Trail through a formidable mountain at Mitchell Point.
The tunnel will be available for non-motorized users hiking and biking on the State Trail. It will mirror the historic tunnel by re-constructing arched windows with views of the Columbia River.
Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
In 2023, celebrated the reconnection of 8 miles of car-free trail from Wyeth State Park to 2 miles east of Viento State Park. The Mitchell Point tunnel will complete the 1.5-mile trail segment at Mitchell Point. Although most of the trail between Wyeth State Park and Mitchell Point has been built, we still have work to do. There is a 0.7-mile link still needed to connect Viento State Park to Mitchell Point, which is anticipated to begin construction as early as 2026.
ODOT owns and operates the Historic Columbia River Highway while the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages the Historic Highway State Trail (in partnership with ODOT). The Western Federal Lands Highway Division is managing the project during construction.
Location
N/A
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H
istoric Columbia River Highway near Interstate 84 milepost 58Cost and Funding
$31 million funded through the Federal Lands Access Program.
Contractor
Crestline Construction
Benefits
The project is constructing a 1.5-mile segment of the Historic Highway State Trail at Mitchell Point, which will advance trail construction. The tunnel will have arched windows with expansive views of the Columbia River and a hand placed stone masonry wall on the trail, a plaza with picnic tables, break areas, an overlook, and an expanded restroom at the trailhead.
Additional Information
Over the next several years, we have many construction projects planned on I-84 between I-205 and Hood River, and on the Historic Columbia River Highway between Troutdale and Hood River.
View more information about upcoming work or videos posted to social media about the specialized contractors building the tunnel (Guinett Masonry, LRL Construction, and Schuepbach Builders).
For ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/interpretation services, or more information call 503-731-4128, TTY 800-735-2900 or Oregon Relay Service 7-1-1.
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