Road Work Coming to North Oregon Coast's Gearthart and One of World's Largest Bridges

Published 04/18/25 at 5:59 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Gearhart, Oregon) – Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is looking ahead and talking about two large-scale projects coming up. Astoria's gargantuan bridge is getting a good deal of work this summer, and Gearhart will be seeing that in a little over a year.

At Gearhart, be prepared for some major road work in 2027.

U.S. 101 and Pacific Way form a key intersection in Gearhart, but the current traffic signal is outdated and in need of replacement. To address this, the project will focus on upgrading traffic signals to enhance the flow of vehicles through the intersection. Additionally, ADA curb ramps will be installed, making it easier for all pedestrians to navigate, regardless of whether they have a disability. Water drainage improvements will also be implemented to prevent the accumulation of water on the roadway.

Construction is set to begin in 2027, and during this time, residents and travelers can expect sidewalk, shoulder, and lane closures, along with construction noise and potential delays.

Why are ADA curb ramps important?

“ADA curb ramps make it easier for people to move between the sidewalk and road,” ODOT said. “This can be helpful for those who have trouble stepping up and down high curbs. It's also helpful for people using wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, hand carts and bicycles.”

One of the world's largest bridges is on the Oregon coast and it will see some lane closures this summer – although thankfully not much. Plan ahead for intermittent single-lane closures on the Astoria-Megler Bridge from early June through September as crews work to replace key bridge supports and concrete bases.

Gearhart

“We’ll be replacing some of the bridge’s support elements and concrete bases - critical components that help keep this iconic structure safe and functional,” ODOT's Mindy McCartt said. “Most of this work is happening underneath the bridge using temporary work platforms, so the visible impact above deck will be fairly limited. Still, we will need to close one lane during weekdays to safely complete the work.”

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At just slightly over four miles long, it's the longest continuous truss bridge in the U.S. with the main span a whopping 1,232 feet in length.

Construction is scheduled to run from June through September, with lane closures occurring periodically from Sunday nights at 7 p.m. through Friday at noon. Weekends, including the period from Friday noon to Sunday at 7 p.m., as well as major holidays, will remain free from closures to reduce travel disruption.

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The existing 12-foot-wide load restriction on the bridge will remain in place around the clock.

Twists, Turns of Construction History of Astoria-Megler Bridge, Longest Oregon Coast Landmark - On July 29, 1966 the bridge to the Washington coast opened.

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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