Community Mobility On-Line Open House runs thru Dec. 19

Here’s a link to the on-line workshop, or “Community Mobility On-Line Open House.” Public comments are due by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. Comments go to an “Active Transportation and Safety Plan Committee,” with representatives from the cities of Hood River, Bingen, White Salmon, Hood River and Klickitat counties, and others.

Bridge construction is scheduled to begin late in 2027, with completion anticipated in 2031. While the project’s $1.12 billion budget covers bridge replacement and immediate access on both shores, it doesn’t address possible system-wide access, such as bike and pedestrian paths along Highway 14, Dock Grade improvements, paths and roundabout at Hood River’s Port Marina Park … even bikeways, sidewalks and vehicle routes in downtown Bingen, White Salmon and Hood River.

For instance, upgrades are envisioned for Second and State streets in Hood River. There would be improved Amtrak access in Bingen. A new bike lane on N. Main Street in White Salmon would be physically protected from motorized traffic. A sidewalk would be constructed along Dock Grade.

All of these and others are only concepts at this point, anticipating more pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic resulting from the new bridge. All are still subject to change, guided in part by public feedback from the current workshop. With one exception, none are included in the bridge construction and demolition budget. Instead, improvements will become the responsibility of local municipalities, requiring years of planning, final design and fundraising through long-range “transportation system plans” for each community.

One exception is a roundabout on State Route 14 at the north end of the new bridge. Unlike other access concepts, this is budgeted in bridge construction. It’s also detailed on the workshop website.

It will take local advocacy and fundraising to turn other concepts into reality. This month’s on-line workshop is an initial step, helping shape how people drive, ride and walk to the new bridge for decades to come through a multi-agency “Active Transportation and Safety Action Plan.” The workshop began with a well-attended, in-person event  in Hood River on Dec. 4, emceed by Arthur Babitz, a Hood River County commissioner and former mayor who also serves on the bridge authority’s board. Participants reviewed transit concepts and offered initial feedback.

“I thought the meeting went amazingly well,” said Jacob Anderson, bridge authority co-chair. “It was very productive.”

Preliminary access planning is funded through a $3.6 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant awarded to Port of Hood River in 2023. (Grant funding is secure despite the change in presidential administrations.)

The draft transportation action plan, study area and community-specific projects are described at this link.