Historic Hood River
Multnomah Falls Viaduct
5-1-2023
Notes
This view of the Multnomah Falls Viaduct is from the Davidson Copper Collection. It was taken shortly after the highway was constructed. It shows how something can be just like it was… and so different. Addig four lanes of interstate highway sure does change the view.
The viaduct is scheduled for a major rebuild, so it will be closed for several years. What you can’t see in this view is the railroad which is right next to the viaduct. The proximity to busy railroad tracks has greatly complicated the construction project. For example, it will require 24/7 flaggers for the train traffic to be sure the track is clear when the trains pass.
Category: default
Tags: automobile, Beacon Rock, Columbia River Highway, Copper, Davidson, Multnomah Falls, viaduct
Tags: automobile, Beacon Rock, Columbia River Highway, Copper, Davidson, Multnomah Falls, viaduct
Dale Nicol
The road design is a true work of art!
Pat A
So modern when built. I love living next to the CRH! A real American treasure.
Rebuilding this Viaduct will be tricky task
Rawhyde
The rockwork just below the retaining wall just to the West of this portion is truly a masterpiece of stacked stone.
nels
It is my understanding that German rock workers built most of the CRH and
then moved on to build a series of stone churches and homes in the area.
True or false?
nels
I appreciate the composition in this picture with the long linear horizontal lines instead of just a closeup of the car.
Thought maybe Dale would tell us what model and year that car is
L.E.
What an amazing view!
Bill Seaton
Is that Beacon Rock on the Washington side?
Will
Nels: I have read of Italian stonemasons working on the highway.
Jacob
Will; are you able to share the sources you have used when reading about Italian stonemasons working on the highway?
Will
Jacob: Period articles in Hood River News. Also this: https://sos.oregon.gov/archives/exhibits/columbia-river-highway/Pages/history-construction.aspx
Will
Also this great study by our own Tom Kloster: https://wyeastblog.org/2013/12/15/stone-walls-of-the-columbia-river-highway/
DAVE JOHNSON
Italian stone masons worked on the road.
Arlen L Sheldrake
sure glad the road got striped
Dale Nicol
Nels, it’s difficult to tell what the car is from the rear photo. For sure, it’s a large touring car and not a Model-T.
It appears to have luggage stacked on the back of the car where normally spare tires would be hung. The gas tank is usually mounted in this location and maybe the luggage is on top of the tank?
Possibly Arthur has another photo, taken from the side or front that could help identifying the car.