ROWENA — A section of U.S. 30 known as the Historic Columbia River Highway near Rowena has fully reopened after more than a year of repairs following the 2025 Rowena Fire. The highway had remained open only to local traffic while crews repaired extensive wildfire damage and worked to replace the specialty guardrail that protects one of Oregon’s most scenic and historically significant highways.
The Rowena Fire damaged thousands of feet of wooden guardrail, along with signs, delineators and other roadside infrastructure. Unlike standard highway guardrail, the guardrail through the Rowena area is custom built to preserve the historic character of the Historic Columbia River Highway, a National Historic Landmark. Per federal regulations, each section must be specially milled, treated and painted white to match the historic setting, making replacement a longer process than installing conventional guardrail.
The guardrail is also a critical safety feature. It helps keep vehicles on the road and prevents them from leaving the highway along steep slopes overlooking Interstate 84.
“Replacing this guardrail wasn’t as simple as ordering standard highway materials,” said Dan Shanahan, ODOT District Manager. “Each piece had to be specially fabricated to match the historic features of this corridor while continuing to provide the safety drivers expect.”
The newly installed guardrail meets all safety requirements. Crews expect to finish painting the guardrail by mid-August.
Wildfires continue to damage Oregon’s transportation system
While U.S. 30 has been repaired and reopened, the current wildfire season continues to leave its mark on Oregon’s transportation system.
Many highways across the state have already sustained damage from this year’s fires, including burned guardrail, damaged signs, scorched pavement, drainage infrastructure and other roadside features. Some wildfire damage can be repaired quickly, but other repairs may take months or even longer depending on the type and severity of damage, availability of materials and when crews can safely access burned areas.
ODOT crews will continue to repair fire-damaged infrastructure as quickly and safely as possible. Until those repairs are complete and active wildfires continue to impact travel, drivers should slow down, stay alert and use extra caution when traveling. Crews will mark hazards whenever possible, but wildfire damage can be widespread and conditions can change rapidly.
For current road conditions and closures, use TripCheck.com.