The Bridge Of The Gods Preservation Study—Cascade Locks, Oregon
Client
- Port of Cascade Locks
Project Value 
Funding: $6 million state grant supporting seismic, safety, and preservation study
Market
Bridge, Transportation
Services
Engineering
The Port of Cascade Locks selected Parsons to manage and provide engineering services for the seismic, safety and preservation study for the Bridge of the Gods.
What Is The Bridge Of The Gods?
The Bridge of the Gods is a steel truss cantilever bridge spanning 1,858 feet (566 meters) across the Columbia River between Cascade Locks, Oregon, and Stevenson, Washington. The original bridge opened in 1926, and was raised in 1938 to accommodate rising water from the Bonneville Dam’s construction.
Details Of The Preservation Study
This nearly century-old bridge faces potential safety risks from earthquakes and age-related wear. The study, funded by a $6 million state grant, will assess seismic vulnerabilities and develop a long-term preservation plan, focusing initially on safety improvements like better lighting.
The bridge is a lifeline for emergency response, local communities, and Pacific Crest Trail hikers, making seismic resilience a regional priority. The project will also explore enhancements for pedestrian and bicycle safety. State legislators support the initiative, which aims to bolster the region’s infrastructure and tourism economy.
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- Late-night fog settles over the Bridge of the Gods.
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- The Bridge of the Gods from above.
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- A view from beneath the Bridge of the Gods.
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- A single vehicle makes its way over the bridge.
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- The Bridge of the Gods from above.
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- Construction of the Bridge of the Gods in 1926.
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- The Bridge of the Gods from above.
Project Scope
Parsons is managing and providing engineering services for this project.
Our scope includes conducting field surveys and geotechnical evaluations, and installing structural health monitoring sensors.
Engineers will perform seismic and non-seismic structural analyses to design retrofit solutions and develop a long-term Bridge Preservation Plan. The project team will address active transportation improvements and enhance lighting designs. They aim to ensure the bridge’s safety, resilience, and accessibility while securing necessary funding for these enhancements.
Project Completion
The current study scope runs through December 2025, with Parsons continuing into 2026 under an extended scope.
