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FAQs 

Hood River Bridge Quick Facts & FAQS

Quick Facts:

  • Toll payment is accepted by cash, credit or debit card, or prepaid account (BreezeBy) only.
  • Length: .8 miles steel-grated deck (4,418’)
  • Height Restriction: 14’ 7”
  • Weight Restriction:
    Weight Restricted – Effective March 1, 2024 
    • 24 tons for Type 3 vehicles
    • 32 tons for Type 3S2 and Type 3-3
    • 22 tons for the SU4
    • 24 tons for the SU5
    • 25 tons for the SU6 and SU7
  • Width Restriction: No overwidth loads. (Lane width from center line stripe to guardrail): 9’ 4-¾”. Special arrangements for a wide load crossing can be made by calling (541) 386-1645 more than 24 hours in advance. Flaggers and pilot cars will be required.
  • Lift span raises deck from approximately 57’ to 148’ above water surface, depending on level of the Bonneville Pool.
  • There are 201 deck panels between the two approaches

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: My large RV is too wide for the Hood River Bridge. Where is the nearest crossing? 

A: The Hood River Interstate Bridge is very narrow. The width of a lane from center is only 9′, 4.75″. Large RVs are advised to cross at the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks (22.1 miles west via I-84 or 24 miles via Hwy 14 on the Washington side) or at The Dalles Bridge (23.7 miles east via I-84 or 21.7 miles via Hwy 14). 

Please note: Due to the very narrow travel lanes on the Hood River Bridge, drivers of large vehicles are advised to turn in your mirrors before approaching the Bridge. Rear view mirrors are often damaged by colliding with the mirrors of other vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. 

Q: Can I ride my bike across the Bridge? Is there pedestrian access? 

A: No. There is no bike or pedestrian access on the Hood River Bridge. In 2009 the Port sponsored a study on non-motorized crossing possibilities for the Bridge.

The final report is available for download here. 
Q: How can I get notification of bridge closures? 

A: Because the Columbia River is a federal waterway, the Port must lift the Bridge’s lift span upon request for marine vessels requiring a higher clearance. Bridge lifts typically last 15 minutes or less, and usually occur without notice to the public. Whenever Port crews must close one or both lanes of the Bridge for maintenance, however, the Port will issue a closure notice to area news media, Port BreezeBy electronic tolling customers, and anyone that has opted into the notifications list. You can request to receive these emails here.

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