Summary
The Tillamook River Bridge on OR 131 is under preservation, closing the westbound lane around the clock. A temporary traffic signal guides one-lane movement. Work occurs Monday through Saturday. Expect noise, delays, and limited visibility. River access is open but narrowed. The project preserves structural integrity amid statewide bridge funding challenges. Stay safe, share updates, and check TripCheck for alerts.
There’s a moment, a pause, where progress meets memory—and today, that pause is at the Tillamook River Bridge on Oregon Route 131.
Four days ago, the State of Oregon Agency issued a heads-up for travelers and locals alike: watch for the traffic signal near the Tillamook River Bridge. The westbound lane is closed around the clock as essential preservation work begins. If you’re headed that way, plan ahead.
It’s not just maintenance; it’s a reminder that even the structures we take for granted need care. The bridge, located just west of Tillamook at milepost 7.5, is undergoing essential work—removing decades-old rust and paint, fortifying its strength with fresh bolts, rivets, and bearings. It’s not glamour—it’s endurance.
During this period, traffic will be filtered through a temporary signal. Expect:
- Crews working from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday
- A hard barrier sealing off the westbound lane
- Construction noise and possible delays
- Reduced visibility on the curved road, so extra caution is a must
This is not just a road update—it’s a small chapter in Oregon’s commitment to safety, function, and infrastructure integrity.
One Lane, One Bridge, One Reminder
There’s a bridge just west of Tillamook—a familiar crossing to some, a blink of a moment for others—where the rhythm of traffic is being slowed down not for inconvenience, but for preservation.
📍 Location: Tillamook River Bridge on OR 131 at milepost 7.5
🕐 When: Now active, with westbound lane closed 24/7
A temporary traffic signal is now in place to manage one-lane flow during construction. This isn’t just roadwork—it’s a promise to keep this bridge strong for generations yet to cross it.
What You Can Expect
🚧 Crews on site Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🚦 Temporary signals directing traffic through the zone
🧱 A hard barrier fully blocking the westbound lane
🔊 Construction noise and traffic delays
⚠️ Curved road conditions—reduced visibility for drivers
🚣 For River Users
The channel beneath the bridge remains open, but it’s narrowed. Use caution when passing through the work zone—this quiet flow of water carries risks unseen.
What’s Being Done
- Old paint and rust: removed
- Fresh paint: applied
- Worn bolts, rivets, bearings: replaced as needed
This is maintenance not for the sake of change, but for preservation—to extend the life of what already stands strong.
Why It Matters
Our agency is committed to safety—but we face a critical funding gap. At our current pace, replacing every state highway bridge would take nearly 900 years.
While we’ll never allow unsafe bridges to remain open, without timely investment, aging bridges could face weight restrictions or eventual closures. This is a shared burden—and a shared duty.
📌 Get Involved & Stay Informed
🔗 Visit the Tillamook River Bridge Project Page
🗺️ Explore Oregon’s Road Construction Map
📩 Sign up for project updates and alerts
👥 Share this message—let your community know
🚨 Work Zone Reminder
Slow down, stay alert.
Whether workers are visible or not, fines double in Oregon work zones.
Access for pedestrians—including those with disabilities—will remain available around the site.
💬 Accessibility & Language Services
Need information in another language or accessible format?
📞 Call TTY: (800) 735-2900 or use Oregon Relay: 7-1-1
Español disponible.
🔍 Know Before You Go
📱 Visit TripCheck.com or call 511 for 24/7 road updates.
