Waterfront Roads Infrastructure Project - Phase I: 2nd Street/Riverside Drive Roundabout

The Port of Hood River is improving waterfront access to make travel safer and smoother, while supporting future development opportunity and a stronger future.

About the Project

An aerial view of a riverside area featuring roads, a marina, commercial buildings, and a parking lot. — Project Location Photograph

The Port of Hood River is planning to improve transportation at the Hood River Waterfront. The Port is designing a roundabout at the intersection of 2nd Street and Riverside Drive. This intersection is the main entrance to the waterfront from downtown Hood River and Interstate 84.

This project will make the area safer and easier for people accessing the waterfront business and recreation. The new roundabout will:

Map of Hood River area showing streets, waterfront park, pedestrian trails, and a proposed roundabout. — Phase I: 2nd Street / Riverside Drive Roundabout Location

Keep traffic moving at slower, safer speeds
Improve access for all users
Make it safer for people walking, biking and rolling
Support future economic growth and development on nearby properties in the waterfront

The roundabout is designed to work for all users - cars, trucks, vans, buses, people walking, people rolling and people riding bikes. Large trucks and emergency vehicles will be able to move through safely and clearly marked crossings will help people walking, rolling and biking.

Part of More Waterfront Transportation Improvements: The roundabout is Phase I of an effort to improve how people get to and through the waterfront. Phase II will look at improving and realigning 1st Street (between Riverside Drive and Portway Avenue) to make connections smoother and safer for everyone. The plan also includes a future transit facility being designed and built by Columbia Area Transit (CAT), which will give people more travel choices and make it easier for people to reach the waterfront without driving.

Why We're Building a Roundabout

The Port studied traffic conditions at the 2nd Street and Riverside Drive intersection. The study shows that a roundabout would:

The image shows a preliminary design for a roundabout at the intersection of Riverside Dr. and N 2nd St., with traffic flow indicated. — Phase I: 2nd Street / Riverside Drive Roundabout Preliminary Design

Reduce crashes
Shorten wait times at the intersection
Handle busy summer and event traffic more smoothly
Improve traffic flow between I-84, downtown and the waterfront

Roundabouts are proven to improve safety because they reduce conflict points and slow vehicles down, while still keeping everyone moving.

Where the Project Is Now

The project has advanced to 30% design, with environmental review substanially complete (as a Categorical Exclusion). The project team is refining details and final design is expected by December 2026. Construction could begin as early as Fall 2027, pending full funding.

The Port is working closely with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) on the design.

The Port will continue to provide updates as the project moves forward.

The image depicts a project timeline with milestones for design phases, permitting, bidding, construction, and completion dates. — *Construction start pending final design completion and full project funding.

How the Project is Paid For

The project is funded and supported by a mix of federal, state and local funding sources including from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), and previously awarded Oregon state funds that supported planning and initial design.

The Port has also applied for additional federal construction funding. Together, these sources are intended to fund construction of the roundabout.

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