Historic tunnel will reopen in the Gorge

COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE - After being shuttered for more than 60 years, a historic Columbia River Gorge tunnel will be open once again - this time for bicyclists and pedestrians to enjoy.

Originally constructed in 1914, the tunnel and adjacent Oneonta Bridge were built as part of the alignment of the Historic Columbia River Highway. But in 1948, the narrow tunnel was abandoned and later filled with debris for safety reasons.

"It was filled in with rubble and it just kind of melted into the landscape for the next 60 years," said Robert Hadlow, an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) historian.

In June of 2006, ODOT and the Western Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration began construction to reopen and restore the tunnel. Historians and engineers were careful to put the piece of history back together exactly as it was built a century ago, a task made more challenging by the fact that there were no plans.

"We relied on photographs and some early movies - some early silent movies," said Hadlow.

If you're thinking about heading to the Gorge this weekend to check it out, the equipment should all be gone by Saturday. 

Directions

• The tunnel is located 35 miles east of Portland.
• Take Interstate 84 east.
• Get off at exit 35.
• Follow the Historic Columbia River Highway signs for about a mile to the site.