By Tracey Tomashpol
Port of Hood River – Oct. 20, 2026 Meeting Report
Financial Report
Traffic across the bridge continues to be lighter than last year, likely due to high fuel prices. August traffic was down about 17% from the prior year; September traffic also came in about 8% lower than in 2025.
Higher costs for construction materials will continue financial pressures; unexpected capital expenses/repairs may pose a risk
Test Pile Plan to cause bridge closures, delays
The Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Authority will be doing pre-inspection of the existing bridge in a few weeks. Drivers crossing during the week of November 9th through 13th will likely experience periodic stops between 7am and 5pm.
Drones taking 3D images of the bridge (with accuracy down to ½”) will be operating. They’ll also inspect the 5 locations where the test piles will be driven, along with a lift-span inspection. (I’ll post the month’s schedule separately).
The pile driving test could occur in December at the earliest. 16 test piles will be placed, using different methods.
The pile driving will be about 150’ away from the bridge and will be done using 2 different methods. The monitors on the bridge will evaluate how the bridge foundations perform during the pile driving. If you look at the locations where the test piles will be placed (at about 40 minutes in at the Port’s video), you’ll see that they will be placed near 2, 5, 6, 8, and 9.
The piers go from 1 to 11, beginning on the Oregon side. The plan calls for 2 different drilling methods: one is a standard “vibratory” drilling, and the other is a “down the hole hammer” (DTH) method.
Why 2 methods? The water is deeper on the Oregon side (near pier 2), and shallower on the north end of the bridge (near pier 9). Also, the material underwater differs between very hard rock (better suited to the “down the hole” drilling) vs a sorter, sandier/gravel bottom (better for vibratory drilling). At least that’s what I think I learned at last months’ in-person coffee shop open house.
Initially the first test piles will be placed with the bridge closed down entirely (details once the December or January dates are firmed up; and yes, I intend to be out there watching!)
Presentations
New Bridge
Status of design and ongoing work for the new bridge – video clip available at InformHR YouTube (https://youtu.be/bWFVR9r656U). HNTB Director Michael Shannon shared new renderings showing how the bike/pedestrian walkway on the west side of the bridge might look. He also described the more driver-friendly roundabout design on the north end of the bridge, along with connections on the Oregon side.
Shannon also spoke about the last piece needed - a successful award of the $532 million grant we’ve applied for to finish the funding needed. The bridge has strong bipartisan support and has also gotten support from both Boeing and Airbus, who’ve made calls and sent letters of support.
Marina Basin Plan Key Points
This is a big part of the Port’s strategic business plan, but they continue to talk about creating a “vibrant public waterfront.” More welcoming gathering spaces, and infrastructure modernization plays a big role.
A combo revenue generator that meets the demand of boaters would be a marina expansion with perhaps 100 new 30-foot slips and 48 40-foot slips. The waiting list for slips is a long one, and while this expansion would take significant capital, it would generate revenue (from the long waiting list of boat owners looking for a slip).
More ideas thrown out included enhancements to Marina Green (with some commissioners urging that substantial open space remain to let it remain useful as a playing field), a more attractive dock for large vessels to dock, spaces for a farmers’ market or food trucks. The bandshell idea seems to be a non-starter after considering westbound winds and traffic noise from I-84 and the new bridge.
Bridge Inspection
Full bridge inspection report still coming, but you can watch the initial presentation here https://youtu.be/Hrlr4I066ik As reported last week, the bridge engineer reporting on an immediate priority to look into issues around the lift span bearings. He said those bearings are not properly engaged - indicating that the lift span is slightly lifted from the bearings and supported by the cable system. He emphasized that a lift-span seating investigation and rehabilitation be an immediate priority, along with ongoing bridge rail damage repairs.
Other Items:
Port Office
The Port will need to move to new offices if the Bridge Investment Program grant is successful. The plan was to move to their property at 200 Wasco Court, with a design team working on design estimates, but design cost estimates are trending upwards.
Commissioners decided to pause design work given the costs, and asked staff to look at other options for a new location, which could be a temporary move to the Marina East building. Another option could be to see if there is another spot that could be leased.
Discussion on Using Artificial Intelligence
The commissioners postponed this discussion until the November fall planning session. The draft policy is on pages 111-112 of the packet (https://www.portofhoodriver.com/files/999bda88e/2026.10.20.Packet.RegularSession.pdf). Among the draft suggestions are acceptable uses of AI tools, which would include:
General knowledge questions to enhance understanding of work-related topics
Assisting in the analysis and evaluation of policy positions and to draft policy documents. Brainstorming ideas for projects.
Creating formulas for Excel or similar programs.
Drafting social media posts, emails, or letters.
Summarizing meeting notes or research
Creating outlines for meetings or projects
Assisting in the development of training, advertising, and marketing items
Will AI help market the license plates? Just curious... I need to read through the proposed policy a few more times to form an opinion.
(Note: InformHR writes her own social media posts, and decides on her own what to cover without any AI brainstorms. So mistakes are all mine.)
Expect an open house @ the library to hear more about the strategic business plan.
