Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Take the Action Plan feedback survey by Dec. 19, 2025 / Participe en la encuesta de comentarios sobre el Plan de Acción antes del 19 de diciembre
The Action Plan is a strategic framework to improve safety, equity, and connectivity for people walking, biking, and using transit within a 2-mile radius of the future Hood River–White Salmon Bridge. The plan builds on local plans and regional transportation goals and aligns with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program to enhance eligibility for future federal funding.
The Action Plan was funded by the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) and is being developed through a multi-agency collaboration effort with the following partners:
City of Hood River
City of White Salmon
City of Bingen
Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Authority
Port of Hood River
Oregon State Department of Transportation (ODOT)
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
Hood River County
Klickitat County
Hood River County School District
Southwest Regional Transportation Council
Mount Adams Transportation Services
Columbia Area Transit
Mid-Columbia Economic Development District
Learn more about the Action Plan, here.
Major transportation projects take years to move from concept to reality. With the new Hood River–White Salmon Bridge expected to open as early as 2031, this is the right time to plan the connections that will link local networks to the future crossing. The new bridge will offer bicyclists and pedestrians direct access across the Columbia River, strengthening ties between communities on both sides. Starting now helps improve safety, expand multimodal options, and reduce car dependency for the region.
These corridors link population centers and essential services like medical care, schools, and libraries. Growth is expected along these routes, so planning now avoids future safety and connectivity gaps.
These are preliminary concepts at about 5% design completion. They will be refined over time, and improvements will be phased and scaled based on available funding and community priorities.
Some on-street parking may need to be reconfigured or removed to accommodate bike lanes and sidewalks:
White Salmon:
~14 spaces on N Main Ave
~20 spaces on SR-141
Bingen:
1 space on Ash St
~17 spaces on SR-141
Hood River:
7 to 17 spaces along 2nd St/1st St (depending on design option)
~11 spaces along State St
Project concepts are still in development, and the exact number of affected spaces may change as plans are refined. Our goal is to maintain both safety and accessibility, and whenever possible, create additional spaces in other areas to compensate for removed spaces. Community feedback will help shape final decisions.
Downtown parking is important to local businesses. During the future design phase, any proposed changes will be carefully evaluated with input from businesses and the community to ensure their needs are understood and addressed. The goal is to support access for customers and visitors while improving safety and mobility.
Maintenance needs are part of the discussion. During the future design phase, WSDOT, ODOT, and local agencies will coordinate solutions, which may include specialized equipment like bicycle sweepers, and advocate for necessary funding and staff.
Shared-use paths are planned in some areas, but designs aim to minimize conflicts between people walking and biking and to accommodate users of all ages and abilities.
The conceptual plans account for challenging terrain and aim to improve accessibility for everyone, including children, families, and people with mobility challenges.
These are early-phase concepts. If the community chooses to advance them, the next steps will include seeking funding, detailed engineering and design, and then construction. There will be many opportunities for public input and refinement before anything is finalized.
No. There are multiple steps and funding requirements before conceptual plans can move forward to design and implementation. However, having a plan is critical for pursuing grants and securing funding to design and build improvements. The next steps will depend on local leadership, public feedback, and advocacy to prioritize funding and advance these improvements.
High-level cost estimates will be developed later in the process, after the community has shared input and conceptual layouts are refined. Your input helps shape priorities and informs these estimates.
The Action Plan considers future connections but focuses on multimodal improvements near the bridge. Coordination will continue with city plans and regional efforts.
These projects are led by other agencies. We’re working to align plans and timing wherever possible to ensure consistency and connectivity.
Share your feedback and let your elected officials know this is important to you. Community input shapes priorities and strengthens funding applications for these improvements.