Chuck Slothower//February 13, 2026//
The Astoria-Megler Bridge will close overnight on Thursday for emergency repairs.
During a recent inspection, bridge engineers found damage to a wood roof that’s part of a disused tolling structure. The roof could collapse during inclement weather, and engineers recommended removing it to reduce risks to travelers.
The bridge remains safe to travel, the Oregon Department of Transportation stated in a news release.
The emergency work will focus only on removing the tolling structure, which is located on the Oregon-side on-ramp, according to ODOT.
The bridge will be fully closed in both directions from 9 p.m. on Feb. 19 to 6 a.m. on Feb. 20. There will be no practical detour available during the closure, ODOT stated.
The bridge spans 4.1 miles over the Columbia River and was the final segment of U.S. Route 101 to be completed. Upon opening in 1966, the bridge had a $1.50 toll. Then tolling ended in 1993 after construction costs were paid off. The toll booths were removed at that time, but the overhead structure remained, according to ODOT.