Historic Hood River
Future Hood River
Notes
Today we’re looking at Future Hood River instead of Historic Hood River, but there is an historic link. This is an artist’s rendering of the west portal for the “new” Mitchell Point Tunnel, which is planned to provide the key link in the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail at the point where the Mitchell Point Tunnel used to be. The original tunnel was constructed in 1915, and destroyed as part of a project related to the river level highway and railroad right-of-way. If all goes to plan, construction of the new tunnel will begin in January 2021.
The new tunnel will have adits (windows cut in the rock) which were one of the signature features of the old tunnel.
Here’s a view of the west portal of the original tunnel. The new tunnel starts considerably west of the old tunnel since there will not be a viaduct. Because of this it will also be considerably longer.
Kenn
It took nearly a year of highway disruption to blast off the point and the great tunnel, less time would have double decked the highway below. I looked up for years at the blocked windows and thinking what a great location for a restaurant with view windows.
Arlen Sheldrakes
GREAT posting Arthur.. Once constructed this will correct a major wrong…just wish our brother John W. was alive to enjoy it as he was always disappointed that his employer destroyed the original. As Kenn notes, they could/should have done better……not sure about the restaurant…maybe a brew pub…….
Kyle
Cannot wait to see this completed. I feel lucky to live here during the time that a lot of this “new” construction is reconnecting the old highway.