Much of the CRH possesses an extraordinary integrity to the period of construction. All of the western 24.3 miles, from Troutdale to Warrendale, is on its original alignment except at Oneonta Gorge Creek, where in 1948 it was slightly realigned to bypass Oneonta Tunnel and crosses Oneonta Creek on a 1948 reinforced-concrete girder span, and west of Dodson, where it is briefly lost in a freeway interchange. All of the engineering features associated with this portion of the highway, including the original Oneonta Gorge Creek Bridge, the Oneonta Tunnel, and Interstate 84’s Toothrock Tunnel, are intact.
In the 1980s, ODOT carried out two restoration projects on this CRH segment. It recreated original concrete mileposts, patterned after two surviving posts, and installed them here and along all driveable sections of the highway. The agency also replaced deteriorated “C-rail” and“W-rail” metal guardrail along this highway segment.
From the Sandy River to the Larch Mountain Road junction, ODOT installed a single-rail wooden guardrail that met current highway crash standards. This rail replacement project represented an early restoration effort along the highway.
Since 1987, cosmetic restoration has taken place on the concrete railings on several of the bridges. This has included recasting of some concrete spindles, replastering of decorative panels, or pointing masonry on most large spans. In addition, ODOT masons have replaced deteriorated mortar on guard walls, repaired dry masonry retaining walls, and reinstalled guard rocks.