John McLoughlin Bridge

The John McLoughlin Bridge spans the Clackamas River using three steel tied-arch spans with a combined length of about 720 feet, with the central span reaching about 240 feet. The structure carries four lanes of traffic and connects Oregon City with Gladstone.

Built in 1933 by engineers Lindstrom and Feigenson from Portland, the structure was part of a Pacific Highway realignment that improved connections between Oregon City and Portland. It emerged during a period of regional infrastructure modernization.

The structure carries Oregon Route 99E across the river and displays concrete railings with pylons at each end, reflecting the design principles of regional highway development from that era.

The bridge is open daily for vehicle traffic and offers easy access from either side of the river. Visitors can view it from the road or from nearby riverbank areas for the best perspective.

The structure received an Award for Merit from the American Institute of Steel Construction in 1933, acknowledging its engineering excellence. It was also the first bridge painted in the distinctive ODOT Green color that would later become the standard for Oregon's bridge painting.

Location: Oregon

GPS coordinates: 45.37320,-122.60100

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:27