We demand immediate action to expedite funding and construction of a new Hood River-White Salmon Bridge and call for clear emergency planning in the event of failure. The current bridge is dangerous, outdated, and vital to our region’s safety and economy. We cannot wait any longer.

The Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge is over 100 years old, structurally deficient, and functionally obsolete. It was rated just 7 out of 100 in a federal sufficiency rating. It’s not a matter of if something happens — it’s a matter of when.

The risks are real:

• The bridge lacks shoulders, safe pedestrian access, and modern lane widths. A minor crash can back up traffic for miles — or worse.
• It rests on unstable riverbed sediment rather than bedrock, putting it at high risk of collapse during a seismic event.
• Emergency responders warn it would likely fail in a major earthquake — and is vulnerable to even high winds, fire, or structural fatigue.

This isn’t just about safety for individuals on the bridge — it’s also about regional survival:

• White Salmon and surrounding communities would be cut off from major hospitals and fire response from Hood River.
• Businesses would lose access to suppliers and customers, threatening jobs and local economies.
• Evacuations, emergency medical transport, and wildfire response would all be compromised.
• The nearest alternate crossings (The Dalles and Bridge of the Gods) are 20–40 miles away — completely unviable in an emergency.

While the Port of Hood River and other partners have worked hard on a replacement plan, funding delays have stalled construction. We appreciate the transparency that exists — but we believe the urgency and community impact need to be communicated more widely and forcefully. 

We are calling on our state and federal leaders to:

1. Fully fund the new bridge now — no more delays. If this means adjusting design to fit a lower budget, do it!
2. Accelerate the construction timeline and break ground without further hold-ups.
3. Clearly communicate the emergency response plan if the bridge fails.

This bridge is a ticking clock. The longer we wait, the more we risk lives, infrastructure, and our local future. Let’s act before tragedy forces our hand.

Sign now to demand safe, swift action.