Multnomah County briefs Troutdale HLC on options to replace historic Stark Street Bridge; estimates $35 million construction cost

Multnomah County Transportation officials told the Troutdale Historic Landmarks Commission on May 28 that the 1914 Stark Street Bridge is structurally deficient, presenting a range of replacement and preservation options and seeking community input as it advances through environmental review.

"This bridge is formally a contributing resource to the historic Columbia River Highway District," said Megan Neil, Engineering Services Manager with Multnomah County Transportation, noting the county will treat the structure as a historic resource while evaluating alternatives. County engineers reported a sufficiency rating of 25, well under the 50 threshold that typically triggers replacement consideration, and said the bridge is currently load- and turn-restricted.

The county said the bridge's narrow geometry (about 9-foot lanes), deteriorating wooden sidewalk and timber foundations vulnerable to scour and earthquake damage have produced safety and operational problems. "Since 2017 we've had 36 recorded accidents," engineer Ryan Rucker said, adding that the substandard geometry limits emergency-vehicle access and creates frequent near-miss situations.

Neil said the county is early in the environmental-review phase and has a public survey open through June 30 to gather information on how people use the crossing and what community priorities should guide alternatives. Staff plan to develop a range of alternatives, present a shorter list and public draft evaluation criteria this summer, and return in the fall with a preferred alternative for public review, all contingent on securing funding.

The county is coordinating with multiple agencies, Neil said, including Multnomah County land-use staff (to address gorge scenic-area code and visual-subordination requirements), Oregon State Parks and ODOT, which oversees the historic district. She said the county will follow National Environmental Policy Act requirements to remain eligible for federal funding.

Officials outlined several funding avenues: a congressional appropriation request, a BUILD grant application (decision expected in June), a Bridge Investment Program application and federal formula funds. "This project is way more expensive than the county road fund can budget," Neil said, estimating construction could be about $35 million and noting the county is dependent on federal funds to proceed.

Residents at the meeting urged stronger enforcement, cameras and clearer signage to deter large commercial trucks that have struck the bridge. "We usually put out insurance claims" after collisions, Neil said when asked whether the county pursues damages from drivers or carriers, adding that emergency repairs and insurance claims have been used after incidents. Staff also described recent emergency work to thicken a wing wall to better protect the steel members from truck impacts and said final traffic control and signage would be removed following completion.

Commissioners and residents asked whether the existing truss could be preserved by widening or strengthening substructure elements while retaining historic appearance. "It's definitely an option we can explore," Neil said, but cautioned that engineers must determine whether required modifications would alter the bridge's historic aesthetic. County staff also said they will explore construction approaches that limit long full closures; a full replacement was estimated to take about two years, though options to preserve the existing span during some work are under study.

The county emphasized community engagement in project design, including outreach to school districts, first responders and local businesses. A live survey and additional public engagement events were announced; staff said they will return to the commission in late summer with a range of options and draft evaluation criteria.

The presentation and subsequent discussion did not include a formal funding award or final decision. Next procedural steps are the county's continued environmental review, agency coordination and public outreach; staff will report back with alternatives and evaluation materials.