Think Out Loud

Broadcast: Friday, June 28

This provided photo shows damage to lateral bracings on the lift span of the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge, caused by a truck hauling an excavator that was crossing the bridge on Thursday morning, June 27, 2024, traveling south from White Salmon to Hood River. The bridge will remain closed as engineers determine the extent of the damage. <p>"></picture><figcaption><p>This provided photo shows damage to lateral bracings on the lift span of the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge, caused by a truck hauling an excavator that was crossing the bridge on Thursday morning, June 27, 2024, traveling south from White Salmon to Hood River. The bridge will remain closed as engineers determine the extent of the damage.</p> </p><p><em>Courtesy of the Port of Hood River</em></p></figcaption></figure><p>On Thursday morning, a semi-truck hauling an excavator caused severe damage to the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge when an excavator it was hauling struck the lift span above the traffic lanes. <a href=The Port of Hood River immediately closed the nearly mile-long bridge spanning the Columbia River until “further notice.” No injuries were reported at the time of the crash. Engineering crews are continuing to assess the damage to the 100-year-old bridge and will provide an update about its status after a meeting scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, according to Kevin Greenwood, director of the Port of Hood River. Officials have advised motorists to find alternative routes, including The Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks and The Dalles Bridge. Greenwood joins us to talk about the latest developments, along with White Salmon Mayor Marla Keethler, who shares the impact of the closure on residents in the Columbia Gorge.

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