Astoria #24: Astoria-Megler Bridge

View of the Astoria-Megler Bridge from the Astoria Column in 1998

Until 1966, the only way to cross the Columbia River at Astoria was by boat. Ferry service provided the connection between Astoria and Megler, Washington for the last break in the Pacific Coast Highway between Canada and Mexico. The landing for the ferry in Astoria was at the foot of 14th Street. The remains of the landing can still be seen.

View of the Astoria-Megler Bridge from Coxcomb Hill on September 24, 2005.

The closest bridge across the Columbia was the Lewis and Clark Bridge 50 miles east between Rainier, Oregon and Longview, Washington. In 1962, construction began on the 4.1 mile Astoria-Megler Bridge across the mouth of the Columbia River. The bridge was completed in 1966. The main span, at 1232 feet in length, is the longest continuous truss in the world.

View of the Astoria-Megler Bridge from Coxcomb Hill on September 24, 2005.

The bridge was originally a toll bridge. The toll was to pay off the bridge, and once the bridge was paid off the toll would be removed. Though it was supposed to take 30 years, the bridge paid off December 24, 1993, over two years ahead of schedule, and the toll was removed.

View of the Astoria-Megler Bridge from the waterfront on September 24, 2005.

Continue to 25: Columbia River Maritime Museum…