ODOT Plans

Jeanette B. Kloos, Historic Columbia River Highway Master Plan (2006)

Construct HCRH State Trail between Wyeth and Starvation Creek. An option that is north of the Union Pacific Railroad from Wyeth to east of Shellrock Mountain, crossing over Interstate 84 to the Lindsey Creek State Park segment is proposed. This proposal includes a mile-long floating path in the Columbia River, similar to the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade in Portland.

The Historic Columbia River Highway: Mile Post 2016 Reconnection Projects (March 2009)

Segment 3 - Shellrock Mountain Crossing

Shellrock Mountain has always presented a formidable challenge for road or trail construction in the Gorge. Today is no exception. From the west end of Shellrock Mountain, an existing 2600 foot long rock catchment structure or bin wall keeps this massive mountain of loose rock from rolling onto Interstate 84 (Photo 3A). The proposal is to incorporate the trail on top of the existing bin wall (a stout retaining wall) (Section A/A-Segment 3). To protect trail users from rockfall, a relocated “Brugge” Fence is necessary on the up-hill (south) side of the trail to catch any rocks that may fall onto the trail. Presently, this fence is on top of the retaining wall facing Interstate 84. Moving the fence south will greatly enhance the visual quality for motorists traveling along Interstate 84. An interesting component of this section is the visible remains of the rock retaining walls associated with the historic highway and with views to the 1876 wagon road which are still evident today (Photo 3C).

Trail Segment Highlights:

• Improves scenic quality as viewed from Interstate 84.

• Provides an excellent view of the Columbia River.

• Historic rock walls are evident from proposed trail.

• Even though the trail parallels I-84, it sits above I-84, which lessens noise impacts and offers views towards the Columbia River.

• This proposal is less expensive and more feasible than the one mile long floating bridge in the Columbia River (Year 2000 Option).

The Historic Columbia River Highway: State Trail Plan - Wyeth to Hood River (Winter 2010)

Phase One - B - Shellrock Mountain Crossing to Summit Creek

Mileposts 54-55

Trail Segment Highlights

LENGTH: .78 miles

2014 COST: $5.4 million

• Views of the Columbia River and Shellrock Mountain

• Interpretation of the history of road building across Shellrock Mountain

• Views of historic wagon road and Historic Highway walls

• Unique habitat and geology associated with the talus slopes

• Relocates rock fall fence away from view of I-84 traffic

• New Bridge at Summit Creek

Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate

slopes not exceeding 5%

Description:

• Station 64+00 – 84+25:

The Shellrock Mountain Crossing would be located behind the existing metal bin wall that runs along I-84. This is the approximate location and elevation of the Historic Highway, and in several areas, masonry walls and a historic roadbed are still visible. The Trail would be built on fill with a gabion wall to support the relocated rockfall fencing.

The wall would also protect and allow existing sections of HCRH masonry wall to be visible from the new trail. The Trail would have scenic views of both Shellrock Mountain and the Columbia River.

• Station 84+25 – 85+50:

At a gap in the existing bin wall, a new wall and fill is required to bridge an existing rock cut. A section of historic pavement exists in this area and could be incorporated into the new trail.

• Station 85+50 – 105+00:

Several sections of existing HCRH are located at the east end of Shellrock Mountain. An interpretive overlook is located at the east end of this section and would provide a good location to view the historic wagon road that is visible uphill of this section. The overlook would also provide a turnaround for maintenance or emergency vehicles. This section ends at a new bridge over Summit Creek.

Issues for Further Study:

• Stability of Shellrock Mountain

• Rockfall protection for the Trail

• Larch Mountain Salamander survey

• Access to the historic wagon road

• Develop a plan to manage the historic resource

The Historic Columbia River Highway: State Trail Plan - Wyeth to Hood River (Winter 2010)

Segment B Costs:

Site Preparation $21,000.00

Grading and Drainage $130,000.00

Wall Construction $501,000.00

Bridge at Summit Creek $250,000.00

Rock Fall Protection $1,463,000.00

Trail Construction $183,000.00

Misc. Trail Improvements $161,000.00

Landscape Improvements $130,500.00

Subtotal $2,840,00.00

Engineering & Permits (20%) $568,000.00

Construction Engineering (15%) $426,000.00

Contingency $767,000.00

Project Costs (2010) $4,601,000.00

Project Costs (2014) $5,429,000.00

Funding (As of May 2013)

Environmental: Complete

Engineering: Complete

Construction: $4.5 Million Needed

Total Funds Needed: $4.5 Million

The Historic Columbia River Highway: Mile Post 2016 Reconnection Projects (March 2009)

Segment 4 – Shellrock to Lindsey Creek

The Shellrock to Lindsey Creek alignment includes several wonderful and intact sections of abandoned historic highway. Starting just east of Shellrock Mountain, the trail follows the old Highway for approximately 1,000 feet.

Trail Segment Highlights:

• This proposal is less expensive than the long bridge over the railroad and Interstate 84 (year 2000 proposal).

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