RAINIER, Drivers using the Lewis and Clark Bridge ramps in Rainier have had no word from the state since Sept. 11 on when the next overnight closures will come, as the Oregon Department of Transportation’s $12.3 million repaving of Highway 30 through town continues.
The project rebuilds Highway 30 from Wonderly Road to Rockcrest Street, mileposts 48.42 to 50.35, by grinding off the old surface, laying new pavement, restriping, and installing “new concrete barrier along the center of some sections of the road,” according to ODOT’s project page. Design and construction cost is listed at $12,258,332, with construction in 2026. The work zone speed limit is 40 mph, and fines double.
Work began Sept. 8. On Sept. 11 ODOT said paving would start the following week with crews working from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and “overnight ramp closures from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.” at the ramps between Highway 30 and State Route 433, the bridge to Longview. Westbound ramps would close first, eastbound ramps “on a different night,” with signed detours. “Our schedule may change,” the bulletin said. An earlier bulletin said ODOT did not know “the duration or timing for the closures yet” and would “send out more information when we have a better idea about our schedule.”
No further bulletin had been issued as of Friday, Oct. 30, and the project page, last updated Oct. 1, gives no completion date beyond “Construction: 2026.” The City of Rainier’s website still carries the September ramp closure alert. ODOT’s project contacts are Resident Engineer Anita Eaton and Public Information Officer Mindy McCartt, 503-507-6045.
ODOT calls the stretch “a major tourist route from Portland to various beach towns year-round” and “an important route for freight trucks.” Drivers can check current closures at TripCheck.