The Stark Street Bridge over the Sandy River in Portland was shut down Wednesday afternoon, October 29, 2025, following a crash involving a semi-truck attempting to cross the narrow span.
According to Multnomah County officials, the semi-truck collided with the west bridge approach and became lodged on the structure around 1:30 p.m. Emergency responders and county crews were called to the scene to assess damage and coordinate the removal of the vehicle.
Authorities urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes, as the bridge remained blocked for several hours while crews worked to free the truck and inspect the bridge for structural issues.
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Bridge Reopened After Hours of Closure
County engineers conducted a rapid safety inspection and determined the bridge could safely reopen. It officially reopened to traffic shortly before 7 p.m., restoring a key route that connects Gresham and Troutdale.
Photos released by Multnomah County showed the semi-truck wedged against the bridge approach, blocking both lanes of travel. No injuries were immediately reported, but the incident caused significant traffic delays in the surrounding area during the evening commute.
A History of Repeated Damage
This latest crash adds to a troubling history for the Stark Street Bridge, which has seen multiple accidents over the past decade. In 2024, the bridge was closed for six months after a partial collapse caused by structural damage from repeated collisions.
County officials have long acknowledged that the historic bridge, originally built in 1915 and known for its narrow lanes and limited clearance, presents ongoing safety challenges for large commercial vehicles. Despite signage restricting oversized loads, crashes involving large trucks have continued to occur.
County Reviewing Safety Measures
Following Wednesday’s crash, Multnomah County engineers said they will review safety protocols for the bridge and may consider additional restrictions or warning systems to prevent similar incidents.
“The Stark Street Bridge is an important connection for residents and businesses,” a county spokesperson said. “We are relieved there were no injuries, and we’ll continue evaluating how to make the bridge safer for everyone.”
The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the truck driver will face any citations related to the incident.
