I-84 Columbia Gorge construction will bring periodic delays from Portland to Hood River through 2026

Work zone near McCord Creek anchors a multi-year construction season in the Gorge

Drivers traveling Interstate 84 between Portland and Hood River should expect recurring congestion and shifting travel patterns as a series of Columbia River Gorge transportation projects moves through 2025 and 2026. The longest-running constraint is centered at McCord Creek near Warrendale (Exit 35), where the eastbound bridge is being replaced.

The McCord Creek bridge project began in spring 2025 and is scheduled to continue until fall 2026. During that window, I-84 is reduced to one lane in each direction through the work zone, a configuration expected to remain in place until fall 2026. Project materials describe periodic lane closures beginning in late summer or early fall 2025, with the heaviest impacts anticipated during 2026, including around-the-clock one-lane conditions and possible nighttime “rolling slowdowns” used to create short gaps for work activity.

What travelers can expect: reduced capacity, shifting traffic, and night work

Construction planning documents indicate that, from spring through summer 2026, all interstate traffic will be shifted onto the westbound bridge while crews rebuild the eastbound structure. With traffic flowing in fewer and narrower lanes, even routine volumes can translate into backups during peak commuting hours, weekends, and holiday travel periods—especially when incidents occur in or near the work zone.

• One-lane travel in each direction at McCord Creek through fall 2026.

• Periodic lane closures beginning in late summer/early fall 2025, with intensified delays in 2026.

• Potential nighttime rolling slowdowns to manage work activity and safety.

Effects beyond I-84: trail closures, shuttle service, and ramp-area work

Transportation impacts are not limited to the freeway. The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail segment adjacent to the McCord Creek area is closed during the bridge work, with shuttle service operating between the John B. Yeon and Toothrock trailheads until late spring 2026. Separate trail projects in the corridor are also advancing, including work to close gaps and improve accessibility near Viento State Park and the Mitchell Point area, with completion targets extending into late 2026.

In addition, interchange safety work between I-5 and Hood River is slated for the 2025–26 period. Plans describe intermittent lane closures and traffic control with flaggers near ramps and intersections as crews install lighting and signage and trim vegetation to improve sightlines.

Drivers should plan for recurring travel-time variability through 2026, particularly where one-lane freeway operations coincide with ramp-area traffic control.

Planning considerations for commuters, freight, and visitors

I-84 is the primary east–west route through the Gorge for daily commuters, regional freight movement, and recreation travel. With reduced capacity at McCord Creek and intermittent work near ramps and along nearby facilities, trip times can vary significantly by time of day and by the presence of collisions or stalled vehicles. Transportation agencies have advised travelers to anticipate delays and build extra time into schedules during the 2025–26 construction window.