Bridge Replacement Leading to Detour

A short section of NE Washougal River Road will be closed to all traffic beginning on Monday, July 16.

The closure is necessary for replacing Cougar Creek Bridge, one of the last wood structure bridges owned by Clark County.  It will be replaced with a precast concrete girder bridge.

Photo From Clark County Public Works

NE Washougal River Road, will be closed from Mile Post 5.1 to 5.2.

It is estimated that construction will wrap up in mid-October. The county is pushing and hoping construction will finish early to be able to open the road as soon as possible. 

The closure will require extra coordination because of the July 21 Washougal MX National, which can draw more than 20,000 motocross spectators to the Washougal MX Park, 40205 N.E. Borin Road.

About 50 signs alerting drivers to the bridge closure and detour will be posted along county and city roads leading to Cougar Creek Bridge, including four signs specifically made for the motocross track.

Clark County Public Works also has prepared a map showing alternate ways to get to the Washougal MX Park, including using Salmon Falls Road in Skamania County. Drivers should remember that NE Washougal River Road is a narrow, curvy road with limited opportunities to turn around, especially for trucks and other large vehicles.

More information about this bridge replacement can be accessed on the project’s webpage, including the map showing alternate routes.