Pedestrians returned to Mitchell Point Tunnel for the first time since it closed in 1953. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Oregon Parks Department have been working to reconnect the Historic Columbia River Highway, and the Mitchell Point Tunnel was one of several projects necessary to accommodate foot and bicycle traffic. On Saturday, ODOT and Oregon Parks held a dedication ceremony. The opening was well attended by the public, but pedestrians will not be able to walk the tunnel freely until after the winter season.        Â