PROJECT NAME Mitchell Point Tunnel DESCRIPTION This project will construct a new tunnel at Mitchell Point. Reminiscent of the original, historic tunnel, the new tunnel with five arched windows will provide Gorge views unseen for 70 years. SCHEDULE (schedule subject to change) Construction began in spring 2021. The tunnel is expected to open in 2024. BENEFITS Restoring a key piece of the Historic Columbia River Highway and creating a safe and enjoyable connection for the state trails on either side of Mitchell Point. Hey L32, My wife and I went through the whole Columbia River Roadtrip from Portland to the far reaches of the Columbia River on what seemed like an all day drive out to the Maryhill Winery and music venue. The stopover at the winery was as far as we wanted to go for scenery along the Columbia River. It was a nice venue and the wines were outstanding. We even had a box/crate sent home for continued memories and gifts for our families. On the way out to the winery, we stayed on the right side (South) of the Columbia River. On the way back to our Portland hotel, we stayed on the northern side to get a different look. It did not matter, as the scenery was nice from both views of the river. There were more things to see on the South side of the river, though... The tunnel was open and we were lucky not to have many detours along the way for road construction or repairs to all of the fabulous stops along the way. But, as far as we can see in our research for a return trip to Portland for the 4th time, the Westcoast of the USA took a lot of pounding over the last several years from the massive continuous storms from the Arctic. So, damage to a lot of structures and natural outcroppings were in need of repair. Even in So Cal, the winter storms did a number on a lot of things along the coast. We are still feeling the effects of those water soaked storms affecting the coastal plains and cliffsides. Plus, the ocean was not quite finished as the large waves bashed up against the coastal cliffs/beaches causing more damage. The latest being closure of the coastal Amtrak train from San Diego to Irvine due to repairs necessary in several places. Jnaki If your itinerary of the latest USA tour is this Summer, the tunnel repair in Portland is still going on and won’t be finished until sometime in 2024. We wont be taking any PNW road trips for some time, but that Columbia River road trip was one for the books, definitely.
The Jalopy Journal
