Press Release

Vancouver, Washington -- The Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council, in partnership with the Oregon and Washington Departments of Transportation and cities of Bingen, Hood River and White Salmon are beginning the second phase of a study of alternatives for a new or improved Highway 35 river crossing. The first phase of this effort was completed last year, resulting in vision and mission statements for the study and these possible alternative crossing locations:

• Stanley Rock: connecting Koberg State Park to Bingen Point
• Low Corridor: approximately the same alignment as the current bridge.
• High Corridor: approximately the same alignment as the current bridge but at a much higher elevation, connecting from Button Junction to Jewett Boulevard (SR141)
• West Hood River Interchange: connecting on I-84 across the Columbia River to SR14.

The second phase of the study is under the direction of the same public agencies who recently hired a consulting team headed by Parsons-Brinckerhoff to assist with the project. The outcome of the work will be an understanding of the potential benefits and drawbacks of a new or improved crossing, short and long term recommendations for improvements, and an implementation strategy.

A steering committee of elected and appointed officials and a local advisory committee of citizens are being formed to help guide the study. In addition, throughout the project, residents and business owners on both sides of the river will have opportunities to be involved through community events, newsletters, a youth project, public displays and other means. A public open house to provide more information about the project, identify issues that should be studied, and solicit comments and questions is scheduled for October 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Hood River Inn.

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