Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge

The Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge is an arch bridge that crosses the Crooked River gorge, spanning the canyon with significant height and distance. It now carries the main highway traffic that connects communities across central Oregon.

This crossing opened in 2000 and replaced an earlier structure that had served the same canyon location for many decades. The dedication to a local World War II figure came a few years after the new bridge was completed.

The bridge serves as a recognized memorial site where the community acknowledges military service through its naming and periodic commemorative gatherings. This recognition is woven into how people speak about and experience this crossing in their daily lives.

The bridge carries regular traffic year-round as the primary route across the gorge, so expect steady vehicle movement. Walking access and overlook areas may be available nearby for those wishing to view or photograph the structure.

The construction techniques used here became a reference model for later bridge projects across the country. Engineers studied these methods, making this structure an important milestone in how modern spans are built.

Location: Oregon

Inception: 2000

Official opening: 2000

GPS coordinates: 44.39320,-121.19300

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:23