Historic Hood River
Splice Time
10-3-2024
Notes
In December of 1937 the new higher Washington approach to the bridge was almost complete and needed to be spliced into the roadway to meet the central span. In this view from the central span they have disconnected the old roadway, which used to drop more steeply and turn to the left. The new higher roadway is being extended over newly lengthened concrete piers to meet the central span. There are some sketchy looking walkways to let workmen traverse the gap.
You can hear all about this and much more if you come to the special “members only” reception at the museum this evening. I will be speaking about the history of the bridge, starting well before this view. You can buy a membership at the door. Hope to see you there.
Category: Downtown Hood River
Tags: 1930s, bridge, construction, Hood River White Salmon Interstate Bridge
Tags: 1930s, bridge, construction, Hood River White Salmon Interstate Bridge
L. E.
I hope you have a good turnout tonight. I am trying to figure out where the house on the far right was located?
JEC
The location of the toll booth reminds me of stories I have heard that during World War II fighter pilots on training missions from Portland to Pendleton would on occasion break out of formation to fly under the bridge, directly under the toll booth. I once also heard that Charles Lindbergh also flew under the bridge while touring the country after he returned from Paris.
Arthur Babitz
JEC I hear the Lindbergh story about the Bridge of the Gods frequently. I haven’t seen any proof. Have you seen any documentation of either event? I’m always skeptical without a contemporary account. https://www.nps.gov/articles/bridge-of-the-gods-part-1.htm
Jeffrey Bryant
Hood River Glacier, 1927-09-22, page 4 – Lindy Flies Under Bridge
Arthur Babitz
Thanks for digging that up Jeffrey. I just wish it was a little more convincing! https://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn97071110/1927-09-22/ed-1/seq-4/