Contemplating construction of the Columbia River Highway between Hood
River and Mosier to eliminate the high summit, narrow road bed, and
excessive grades between these points the Department made very thorough
surveys for this important project.
A survey had previously been made developing distance up the Hood River
Valley and reaching a summit of 1,107 feet with a corresponding
additional length required on the Mosier end, making a total distance of
10.7 miles.
Because of its length and high summit a lower route was considered and a
survey was made adjacent to the railroad, using a portion of the old
abandoned railroad grade, but involving extremely heavy construction at
certain points where the line skirts the high bluffs. The summit on
this route was only 160 feet and its length 5.8 miles. However, the
railroad company was contemplating a revision in the alignment of their
tracks on this section, as well as the construction of a second track,
which would still further lessen the space available for a highway. Also
taking into consideration the difficult nature of the work and the
uncertain cost due to track protection in blasting operations and the
limited conditions under which the work must lie done to avoid
interference with the railroad traffic, this route was revised in favor
of a route further away from the tracks up on the side-hill. The summit
reached is 522 feet and the length of this line is 6.3 miles, which
includes a development of 5 per cent grade at each end and provides for
a 24 foot roadbed.
This adopted route is very scenic and affords a splendid view of the
Washington shore, as well as a view up and down the river. The
construction is very heavy, being located on steep side-hill slopes and
at one point involves a tunnel 200 feet long. This project is divided by
the County line, making 4.0 miles in Hood River County and 2.2 miles in
Wasco County. This project will be placed upon the 1919 program.