Built In 1966, The Astoria-Megler Bridge In Oregon Is The Longest Continuous Truss Bridge In North America

In addition to its many natural wonders, Oregon is also home to quite a few man-made landmarks, including several stunning bridges. This big, bold, and very green bridge in Oregon is not only an icon in the Beaver State, but it's the longest continuous truss bridge in all of North America! How long is the Astoria-Megler Bridge? Keep reading to learn more about this beautiful man-made wonder.

When was the Astoria-Megler Bridge built? The Astoria-Megler Bridge opened for traffic on July 29, 1966, and it was hailed as a huge accomplishment.

Not only was it the longest continuous truss bridge in North America, but it also completed the connection from Los Angeles all the way up the coast to Olympia, Washington on U.S. Highway 101.

It took 30 years to get the project started, after the original proposal in the 1930s.

Long before the bridge existed, a ferry shuttled cars back and forth between Astoria and Megler. It was slow and only operated when the weather was good. By the 1930s, there was talk of building a bridge, but it was two decades after that before the project was seriously considered.

In 1959, the Oregon State Legislature approved a bridge, but it took some collaboration with the state of Washington to make it happen, and an agreement wasn't easily reached.

Oregon legislators wanted Washington state to contribute half of the costs; Washington legislators felt that 25 percent was more appropriate since they didn't feel like the bridge would benefit their state very much. Oregon wanted a toll bridge; Washington disagreed with the idea of a toll. Finally, both states came to an agreement, and construction started in November 1962. The bridge cost $24 million to build, and tolls helped cover the cost. They were collected until December 24, 1993.

The project was quite an undertaking. The steel structure of the bridge was built in Vancouver, Washington. Massive sections of it were sent by barge down the Columbia River and lifted into place using huge, hydraulic jacks.

The bridge has 171 piers in the water and is 4.067 miles long. It can withstand winds of 150 mph and currents of up to 9 mph.

Cars and bicycles are allowed on the bridge, but it's not wide enough for pedestrians. It's just 28 feet wide, with two lanes.

Every year in October, the Great Columbia Crossing event brings thousands of people to the Astoria-Megler Bridge. On that day, the bridge is closed to traffic, and pedestrians are allowed to walk (or run) all the way across and back.

The Astoria-Megler Bridge is such an icon that we can't imagine Astoria without it! Millions of people travel from Oregon to Washington and vice-versa across the bridge every year.

The Astoria-Megler Bridge in Oregon today stands as a true icon of what bridge engineers can not only dream of but also create.

Keep an eye out for the next Astoria-Megler Bridge closure so you can take part in the Great Columbia Crossing annual tradition. Okay, quiz time. How long is the Astoria-Megler Bridge? Have you crossed this impressive bridge by car or had the rare opportunity to walk across it? Share a story about your experience with us in the comments.

Interested in checking out more of Oregon's iconic bridges? This bridge has a cool legend; this one is the tallest in the state. You can peer down into a deep ravine from this bridge, and you'll be charmed by these 11 covered bridges.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/oregon/beautiful-covered-bridges-or/