The Tooth Rock Viaduct

Designer: L. W. Metzger
Engineer: Oregon Highway Department
Length: 1.5 miles
Year Built: 1915
Cost: $24,000

Tooth Rock Viaduct

Constructed in 1915, the tooth rock viaduct was a bridged roadway built into the rock hillside around the Tooth Rock Bluff. One and a half miles long, it is located between Eagle Creek and Tanner Creek. It offers magnificent views of the Columbia River and Bonneville Dam. It has been described as a hanging bridge on a rock face. This engineering feat was a compromise between a tunnel and a bridge. The cliff side was blasted to form a shelf where a viaduct could be constructed. Half of the roadway was laid on this ledge while the other half was built out on an overhanging viaduct. This unique section of roadway was part of the original CRH from 1916 thru 1937. The construction and opening of the Tooth Rock Tunnel in 1937 rerouted traffic underneath this portion of the highway. It was abandoned and sat dormant for many years. From the 1940's thru the 80's, it was neglected and began falling apart. In 1996, concerned citizens formed an organized group to oversee the restoration process of several sections of the CRH. This part of the old highway is the first phase in rebuilding the entire highway from Troutdale to The Dalles. The rebuild on this section was completed in 1996. It now serves as a bike and walking trial.

The photo below was taken from a postcard dated 1916

Below, construction crews pose with their horses after completion of the viaduct in 1915.

Work gangs of men construct the viaduct roadway with form boards, reinforced concrete and steel girders in 1915.