COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE – Travelers should prepare for delays at McCord Creek as Interstate 84 reduces to one lane in both directions starting Thursday, Oct. 16, through late 2025.
The McCord Creek Bridge is located near Warrendale, about 7 miles west of Cascade Locks. The bridge replacement project will eliminate a dip in the highway and improve safety, and increase earthquake resilience and the lifespan of the highway. Construction will continue into Fall 2026.
One eastbound I-84 travel lane has been closed at McCord Creek since early September. Crews have been drilling under the eastbound bridge to install new support shafts and prepare the highway for eastbound traffic to share the westbound bridge in spring 2026.
Starting this week, one westbound lane on I-84 will close while crews drill under the bridges, start building a retaining wall and finish prepping the work zone on the highway for the crossover traffic configuration. The retaining wall will support the westbound bridge foundation while the aging eastbound bridge is demolished in spring 2026.
What I-84 travelers can expect
- Around-the-clock single-lane and shoulder closures on I-84 eastbound and westbound at McCord Creek through late 2025.
- The NE Frontage Road on-ramp to eastbound I-84 at the Elowah Falls Trailhead parking lot to remain closed during construction. Travelers accessing eastbound I-84 from NE Frontage Road must detour to the on-ramps at Ainsworth State Park (Exit 35).
- Please note: Starting in spring 2026, eastbound traffic will share the westbound bridge for up to five months. During this time, I-84 will be reduced to one lane in each direction using the westbound bridge.
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ODOT encourages zipper merging when approaching closed lanes
Zipper merging is when drivers remain in their current lane until the lane ends so traffic can take turns merging.
This allows drivers to use all the available space in each lane while reducing backups. It also promotes merging at slower speeds to reduce the chance of a crash. You can find more about Zipper Merging in our Summer Safety Driving Tips.
Traveling safely in work zones
- Orange is your cue! Pay attention when you see orange signs, barrels, cones and barricades.
- Obey all speed signs for your safety and the safety of others.
- Expect delays—plan for them—and leave early so you can drive safely through the work zone.
- Allow extra time when traveling and follow all signs and flaggers for safety.
- Travelers should expect delays in work zones during construction activities.