For decades, officials have discussed replacing the 100-year-old bridge, which is considered dangerous for commercial barges passing underneath.

A crash involving a semi-truck Thursday morning has shut down the Hood River Bridge, cutting off a vital overpass for the Columbia Gorge region.

The semi-truck was traveling south on the bridge, which connects Hood River and White Salmon, when the excavator it was hauling crashed into the lift span above the traffic lane.

The crash caused “severe damage” to the structure of the bridge, according to the Port of Hood River. No injuries were reported. The bridge was immediately closed to allow engineers to assess the damage, and community members were advised to seek alternate routes.

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>It’s unclear how long the bridge will remain closed. Port officials said they would meet Friday afternoon to decide if the bridge could be safely reopened or should remain closed until repairs can be made.</p><p>Mike Fox, co-chair of the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Authority, said the bucket attached to the excavator was sticking up too high as the driver attempted to cross the bridge. The excavator ultimately damaged six beams and the gusset plates, which tie the beams together.</p><p>“The gusset plates on it where he hit were damaged extensively — they actually ripped and then bent,” Fox said. “More than likely, they’re going to have to be replaced and some of the beams will have to be replaced.”</p><div data-oembed-type=

The bridge is a vital route for residents in the Columbia Gorge, especially for those on the Washington side who rely on it to access medical services, work and shopping.

It’s also the only bridge crossing the Columbia River for miles — the closest options are the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks to the west and the Dalles Bridge to the east. Both bridges are more than 20 miles away.

First constructed in 1924 — and completely rebuilt in 1938 — the Hood River Bridge has long been slated for replacement due to its outdated narrow lanes and weight restrictions. The Port of Hood River has said the bridge is “nearing the end of its serviceable life,” and is unsafe for pedestrians, vehicles and commercial barges.

Fox said the new bridge is still in the design phase. Foundation work could start in late 2025, with the bridge becoming open to the public in 2029.

While he had not anticipated the nature of the accident, Fox said it did not come as a surprise, given the noted shortcomings of the bridge.

“It was bound to happen sooner or later,” he said. “Now, we’ve got to put it back together and get the operation going again.”