A bridge Lewis and Clark could not imagine
By Tom Adkinson
September 10, 2021
Evening fog on Astoria-Megler Bridge. Image by Tom Adkinson |
ASTORIA, Oregon – When the Lewis and Clark expedition finally reached the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the mighty Columbia River in November 1805, oceangoing sailing ships already were plying the Pacific, but there is no way the adventurers could have imagined the massive transoceanic ships that glide past this point today.
Neither could they have imagined a highway bridge more than four miles long spanning the Columbia and rising high enough for cargo ships to pass under with ease. Astoria, Oregon, is on the south side, and the hills of coastal Washington are on the north side. The two states share maintenance responsibilities.
Cargo ship going underneath the Astoria-Megler Bridge. Image by Tom Adkinson |
The Astoria-Megler Bridge provided the final link in the highway system from Canada to Mexico when it opened in 1966. According to Britannica, it is the longest continuous-truss bridge in the world.
While every day is important for a transportation link this important, one day does stand out – the day of the Great Columbia Crossing, a 10K run that is the only day of the year pedestrians are allowed on the span. The race has been an autumn tradition since 1982 (Oct. 10 this year).
A riverfront trail in Astoria for walkers and bicyclists provides many perspectives to photograph the bridge, watch for cargo ships, dine at local restaurants and visit attractions such as the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
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