Portland — A Battle Ground-based company will begin repairs on the historic Benson Bridge at Oregon’s Multnomah Falls as early as next week, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Catworks Construction was awarded a $319,000 contract to repair the bridge, which was damaged in a rock fall in January. Crews will also clean the bridge and apply a new seal coat to prevent deterioration.
The work means Larch Mountain Trail No. 441 will be closed from the Multnomah Falls plaza to the bridge during repairs. The popular Wahkeena to Multnomah Falls loop will also be impassable, and the hike to the top of the falls is off limits during the closure.
Multnomah Falls Lodge and Visitor Center remain open for business, according to the forest service.
Crews hope to have the trail and bridge open by Memorial Day weekend. Multnomah Falls is just off Interstate 84, about 30 miles east of Portland.
