The Astoria Megler Bridge

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Spanning the mouth of the Columbia River between Astoria, Oregon, and Megler, Washington, the Astoria–Megler Bridge is a marvel of mid-20th-century engineering. Completed in 1966, it stretches an impressive 4.1 miles (6.6 km), making it the longest continuous truss bridge in North America. Designed to withstand fierce Pacific storms—with wind gusts up to 150 mph and river currents reaching 9 mph—it replaced a ferry system that was often delayed by tides and weather. The bridge’s central span measures 1,233 feet and provides 196 feet of clearance for ships, allowing uninterrupted maritime traffic beneath its steel frame.

Construction began in 1962 and was jointly funded by Oregon and Washington, with the final cost totaling $24 million—equivalent to over $170 million today. Initially met with skepticism and dubbed a “bridge to nowhere,” it quickly proved its worth by dramatically improving regional connectivity and completing the final link of U.S. Route 101 between Mexico and Canada. Today, the bridge remains a vital transportation artery and a beloved landmark. Each October, it hosts the Great Columbia Crossing, a rare event where pedestrians can walk or run across its span, celebrating both its engineering legacy and scenic grandeur.

The model of the mid span of this impressive bridge comes as a kit made out of basswood. It is constructed on a base that lets you display the finished model. The instructions for the kit can be found here.

Basswood, also known as American linden (Tilia americana), is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America. Revered for its soft, pale wood and fragrant summer blossoms, basswood is a favorite among woodcarvers and beekeepers alike. Its heart-shaped leaves and creamy-yellow flowers not only add ornamental charm but also produce nectar that yields a prized honey. The wood itself is lightweight, fine-grained, and easy to work with—ideal for carving, musical instruments, and furniture components. Historically, Indigenous peoples used its fibrous inner bark for making ropes and nets, a legacy reflected in the name “basswood,” derived from “bast.” Though not suited for outdoor durability, its versatility and gentle beauty make it a quiet staple in both natural landscapes and artisan workshops.

The Astoria–Megler Bridge site sits at a dramatic confluence of geography and history, linking Astoria, Oregon, to Point Ellice near Megler, Washington. This location marks the final stretch of U.S. Route 101, completing the highway’s journey from Mexico to Canada. Before the bridge’s construction, travelers relied on a ferry system that was often delayed by tides and weather. The site itself is perched just 14 miles from the mouth of the Columbia River, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean in a turbulent embrace. The surrounding area is steeped in maritime lore, with sweeping views of the river, forested hills, and the open sea beyond.

The mouth of the Columbia River plays a pivotal role in shaping the bridge’s significance. As one of the most powerful rivers in North America, the Columbia discharges massive volumes of water into the Pacific, creating strong currents and shifting sandbars. This area also serves as the first deepwater harbor north of San Francisco, making it a strategic point for shipping and trade. The river’s mouth has long been a gateway for explorers, traders, and settlers, including Lewis and Clark, who reached this point in 1805. Today, the bridge spans this dynamic waterway, offering both a practical crossing and a symbolic link between past and present.

The Graveyard of the Pacific, a chilling nickname for this stretch of coastline, underscores the perilous nature of the Columbia River Bar. Over 2,000 vessels have been lost here since the 18th century due to unpredictable weather, fog, and treacherous currents. The area’s reputation for shipwrecks led to the construction of jetties and lighthouses, including Cape Disappointment Light, to guide mariners safely. The Astoria–Megler Bridge itself had to be engineered with these dangers in mind, rising nearly 200 feet above the shipping channel to accommodate large vessels navigating the hazardous waters below.

Today, the bridge is more than infrastructure—it’s a cultural icon. Each October, it hosts the Great Columbia Crossing, a rare event where pedestrians can walk or run across its 4.1-mile span. The bridge has appeared in films like Short Circuit and Kindergarten Cop, and it remains a favorite subject for photographers and historians alike. From its strategic location to its engineering feats and its place in maritime lore, the Astoria–Megler Bridge stands as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience in the face of nature’s formidable power.