Repair work is set to begin later this month on the Necarney Creek Bridge, a historic structure on U.S. Highway 101, after part of its northbound sidewalk and guardrail collapsed in late August. The incident, which has restricted traffic to one lane, has raised concerns about the structural integrity of the bridge and led to questions about whether vehicle impact or internal failures in the bridge’s material caused the damage.
The collapse was reported on August 29, 2024, when a Tillamook resident crossing the bridge noticed the damage and alerted the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Officials from ODOT, along with the Manzanita Police Department and Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, promptly closed the bridge for two hours to conduct an emergency inspection.
According to ODOT, a vehicle may have struck the bridge, causing part of the original 1937 concrete sidewalk and guardrail to collapse. However, no witnesses have reported seeing a collision, and no debris from a vehicle was found at the site. The damaged section of the bridge includes the tubular steel guardrail, installed in 2008 to improve safety. ODOT reopened one lane of the bridge shortly after the inspection but restricted northbound traffic due to the unsafe condition of the collapsed sidewalk.
Findings Suggest Structural Failure
A closer examination of the damage suggests that the collapse may have been caused by a failure in the concrete and rebar rather than a direct vehicle impact. Visual analysis of the guardrail shows a downward bending pattern, indicative of structural stress, rather than outward deformation typically associated with a vehicular collision. There are no scrape marks or abrasions on the steel guardrail, and the road surface near the collapsed section shows no signs of tire tracks or vehicle debris.
The concrete surrounding the collapsed area appears to have crumbled and failed, pulling the steel guardrail down with it. The absence of skid marks or horizontal impact marks on the steel further supports the theory that the bridge may have experienced a material failure in the aging concrete or rebar. This could be related to a defect in the original 1937 structure or the added weight of modern materials installed during the 2008 renovation.
Ongoing Repairs and Traffic Disruptions
ODOT plans to start repairs in late September, but there is no estimated completion date for the work. During the repairs, traffic will continue to be flagged through one lane, and drivers are advised to plan for delays when traveling along U.S. 101 between Cannon Beach and Manzanita.
“We understand this is a critical route for both locals and tourists, and we are working to get the repairs done as quickly as possible,” an ODOT spokesperson said. “We’re still investigating the cause of the collapse and are doing everything we can to ensure the bridge remains safe for public use.”
The Necarney Creek Bridge, located in Oswald West State Park, is a 602-foot, steel deck girder structure that rises 90 feet above the creek bed. Built in 1937 and named in honor of Samuel G. Reed, a key figure in the development of the Oregon Coast Highway, the bridge has long been a vital connection for coastal communities.
As repairs progress, the full story behind the collapse may remain unknown, but for now, ODOT is focused on ensuring the bridge is safe for the thousands of drivers who rely on it each year.
Call for Witnesses
ODOT and the Oregon State Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed a vehicle colliding with the guardrail on August 29 to contact Lt. Andy Hasenkamp at the Astoria Area Command at 503-318-9917.
For updated traffic conditions on U.S. 101, visit Tripcheck.com.
