"Significance: This single-span reinforced-concrete deck arch bridge was designed by Conde B. McCullough and completed in 1921. The main arch spans 75', while the total length of the bridge is 101'. This bridge is similar in design and detailing to the Sheppard's Dell Bridge, also on the Columbia River Highway. Both of these bridges are well suited to the landscape and environment in which they are placed, which was a characteristic feature of all structures built on this highway. This bridge is the fourth deck arch designed by McCullough for the State of Oregon and is significant as an early example of his work in reinforced concrete."

ODOT, U.S. 30: Mosier Creek, Dry Canyon Creek and Chenoweth Creek Bridges

Project Completed - Region 4: Central Oregon (Mosier, The Dalles, Wasco)

​The section of U.S. 30 from the City of Mosier to the west end of The Dalles is part of the Historic Columbia River Highway and is designated as a Scenic Byway and All American Road. Although not a high-volume travel route, the highway has great historical significance and provides access to agricultural lands, tourist attractions, such as the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, and an ​increasing volume of cyclists.​​

US 30 Mosier Creek and Dry Canyon Creek bridges

• Remove asphalt pavement, install a waterproofing membrane and place new asphalt across bridges.
• Repair areas where the concrete is deteriorating​.
• Replace bridge joint seals and fix drainage issues.

What Problem Will This Improve?

US 30 Mosier Creek and Dry Canyon Creek bridges

The Mosier Creek and Dry Canyon Creek Bridges were built in the early 1920s with the construction of the Historic Columbia River Highway. According to bridge inspection reports from 2012, these bridges are experiencing significant flaking, delaminating and honeycomb cracking. Areas under the deck overhangs have exposed and corroded steel reinforcement. Along with the concrete repairs, the bearings and some joints may need to be rehabilitated or replaced. Adding to these issues is the fact that some deck joints and storm drains leak directly onto portions of the structures below, such as the arches, accelerating the deterioration of the concrete.​

BridgeHunter.com: Dry Canyon Creek Bridge

History

Built 1921

Builders

- Conde B. McCullough of Redfield, North Dakota (Bridge Engineer)

- Kuckenberg & Wittman (Contractor)

Design

Open-spandrel concrete archDimensions

Span length: 101.1 ft.

Total length: 101.1 ft.

"Interesting to note is the little dry canyon ... that's bridged by the poetic bridge. This little canyon never had a river in it, but rather, the floodwaters found a seam and ravaged the seam into a canyon (if you stop and park next to the bridge, you'll get a good look)."

I need to take a closer look at the concrete mystery deck in the photo above. I am not sure what it is yet, if it is a part of the original bridge, a later addition, or what?

The Ancient Rowena Oak

"The Rowena Oak grows just a few yards from the historic Dry Canyon bridge, and was clearly here to witness the construction Samuel Lancaster’s Historic Columbia River Highway and Conde McCullough’s iconic highway bridge over the rocky gorge in 1921. The old tree probably stood witness to first railroads being built in the late 1800s, as well — and the rise and fall of the salmon canning industry that swept through the Gorge toward the end of the 1800s"

Links

CLICK HERE to continue exploring the highway