Lewis and Clark Bridge

The Lewis and Clark Bridge is a steel cantilever bridge that crosses the Columbia River between Longview, Washington and Rainier, Oregon. The structure stretches about 2.5 kilometers long and rises roughly 104 meters high, carrying multiple lanes of traffic across the water.

American engineer Joseph Strauss designed this bridge, which opened on March 29, 1930, connecting Washington with Oregon. The project employed advanced construction techniques from the early twentieth century to create a stable crossing over the Columbia River.

The bridge links two communities across the Columbia River and has long served as a vital symbol of regional connection between Washington and Oregon. People use it daily to move between states, maintaining the economic and social ties that bind the area together.

The bridge carries heavy daily traffic and offers continuous access for cars and trucks in both directions. Pedestrians and cyclists should check conditions ahead of time, as not all areas may accommodate these types of travelers year-round.

The celebrated engineer Joseph Strauss, who also designed the Golden Gate Bridge, employed advanced cantilever techniques here that were revolutionary for the time. This design allowed the structure to span the wide river without support posts in the middle of the water.

Location: Longview

Location: Rainier

Inception: March 29, 1930

Architects: Joseph Strauss

Official opening: March 29, 1930

Height: 104 m

Length: 2,526.2 m

Longest Span: 366 m

Made from material: steel

GPS coordinates: 46.10467,-122.96183

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:52