Before the Columbia River Highway through Beaver Creek Canyon between
Delena and Inglis was opened for traffic in July, 1918, in order to
reach Clatskanie from Delena, it was necessary to travel over a narrow,
dangerous, earth and corduroy road, either by way of Maygar and Quincy
or through the hills about eight miles into Clatskanie. Both of these
roads were passable for autos only about three months during the dry
season.
The grading of this section was partly completed by the County under
supervision of Mr. Bowlby, State Highway Engineer in 1914. This section
being a very important link in the Columbia River Highway and no funds
being available from County or State funds during 1915 or 1916, S.
Benson decided to advance the necessary funds to make this section
passable. About four miles of grading was completed between Inglis and
Delena, leaving only the building of bridges to open this section. This
work was later macadamized by the State.
The engineering work was done by A. K. Grondahl.
A bill was passed by the 1917 Legislature refunding to Mr. Benson
$20,978.22 which is a large portion of the amount expended by him.