Greg Walden Offers Amendment to Help Improve Bridge of the Gods

A hiker crosses the Bridge of the Gods.  

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representative Greg Walden (R-Hood River) secured a provision in the House Infrastructure bill to ensure access to federal funding to improve safety for vehicles,  pedestrians and bikers across the Bridge of the Gods. 

“The Bridge of the Gods in the Columbia River Gorge is an important regional transportation link and a vital, but dangerous, connection on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT),” said Walden. “Residents and tourists alike depend on efficient and safe transportation across the river, but for day and thru-hikers working their way along the PCT, the current bridge is a dangerous experience. Last year, over 7,000 hikers crossed the narrow 1920’s era bridge, sharing lanes with cars and trucks. This provision will ensure we can move the hikers, horseback riders and bikers off to a path alongside the bridge, improving safety along the PCT for all involved. I also want to thank Peter DeFazio for working with me on this important issue - it’s nice when we can work together for the best interests of our citizens.” 

Walden’s proposal is also supported by the Port of Cascade Locks, and the Pacific Crest Trail Association. 

"The Port of Cascade Locks is extremely thankful for Greg Walden's hard work to get language into federal legislation that addresses a critical public safety need for the Bridge of the Gods," said Jess Groves, President of the Port of Cascade Locks. "Adding a walkway to the Bridge of the Gods will not only improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians but will be a boost to the Gorge economy. We now look forward to working with our supporters in the Senate to ensure the language remains in the final bill that will make it possible for the Port to apply for federal financing for this important project."

"Besides being an iconic landmark for visitors to the Gorge and a lifeline for local communities, the Bridge of the Gods has always been momentous for PCT travelers, because it’s the longest, biggest, and most beautiful bridge along the 2,650-mile trail," said Dana Hendricks, Columbia Cascades Regional Representative of the Pacific Crest Trail Association. "However, many trail users have also found this bridge crossing to be the scariest part of the entire PCT, because of its lack of a pedestrian lane.  Congressman Walden’s amendment that would allow the bike/ped lane on the Bridge of the Gods to eligible for federal funding is a boon to locals, tourists, and PCTers alike."

 
The Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks, Oregon is a two-lane bridge that serves not only as a vehicle and bicycle route between Oregon and Washington, but is also a core section of the national Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) for pedestrians and horses. Built in 1926, the Bridge of the Gods is currently owned and operated by the Port of Cascade Locks and serves as a vital transportation link between Oregon and Washington, helping the Columbia River Gorge to function as a bi-state economic region. 

Click here to watch Rep. Walden’s remarks on the House Floor.