Author Topic: Western states TransAm- any big bridges?  (Read 4475 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Buchmark

Western states TransAm- any big bridges?
« on: March 07, 2024, 11:21:06 am »
From Florence to West Yellowstone-  are there any big/high bridges?  (Anxiety issues!) 

And we have family coming to support us in an RV. Any vertical clearance or other issues for an RV along route?

Online jamawani

Re: Western states TransAm- any big bridges?
« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2024, 02:05:09 pm »
Astoria, at the start, has a number of bridges. The TransAm is #3.

1. The Astoria-Megler across the Columbia River is a doozie.
But you don't have to cross it on the TransAm heading south.
If you are coming from the north, use the ferry at Cathlamet - driving or riding.
(It's 4 miles long and 200 ft. above the water.)

2. The US 101 via the New Youngs Bay Bridge is long and narrow.
Plus, it's a drawbridge and you could be sitting out there for a while.
The TransAm routes you on the old bridge via US 101 Business.

3. US 101 Business via the Old Youngs Bay Bridge. (Old & Young!)
This bridge has wide walkways/bikeways on either side and is shorter.
But it is a drawbridge, as well, and you could be held up for 5-10 minutes.

* I've ridden across the Astoria-Megler Bridge in the fog.
Trust me, I was 100% focused on the white line to the right.
They were doing work and the flagger lady was great.
She said, "Honey, I'm gonna make sure you're o.k.!"
Traffic came in 5-minute intervals and she told everyone to watch for me.

<<<>>>

Nothing major the rest of the way as far as I remember.
The Deschutes River Bridge on Hwy 126 west of Redmond is high and with only a narrow shoulder.
But ACA rerouted the TransAm through Terrebonne 10+ years ago and that bridge is low and easy.
If you do plan to head into Redmond be prepared - moderate traffic - slightly high - a 2.5 out of 10.

Pic - Astoria-Megler Bridge - Which you do NOT have to do

Online jamawani

Re: Western states TransAm- any big bridges?
« Reply #2 on: March 07, 2024, 03:19:55 pm »
PS - There are three bridges along the Salmon River on US 95 in Idaho.

The first, an arch bridge at the time zone boundary, has nice shoulders.
The next two are narrower and the traffic is moderate+ and fast.
These bridges are only a 1/2 mile apart over a loop in the river.
There used to be an old road option, bypassing the bridges.
But I think it's long gone.

Stop; wait for a traffic gap;
then ride at least 3 feet from the guardrail well into the lane.
They can pass or slow down and wait.

<<<>>>

Has anyone else used the old road loop recently?
(Gawd, I'm showing my age - 1st X-USA 37 years ago.)

Offline Buchmark

Re: Western states TransAm- any big bridges?
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2024, 08:04:34 pm »
Thanks, Jama! :)

Offline John Nelson

Re: Western states TransAm- any big bridges?
« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2024, 11:36:03 pm »
When I'm riding across a bridge, I'm so worried about getting across before the cars behind me kill me, I don't have any time to pay attention to what's over the railing.

If you hate high bridges, be sure to avoid the Pacific Coast route.

Offline davidbonn

Re: Western states TransAm- any big bridges?
« Reply #5 on: March 08, 2024, 09:41:02 am »
I've ridden across the Astoria Megler Bridge (which takes 101 from WA to OR) and each time I swore I'd never do it again.  Windy, busy road, very little shoulder, and a lot of log trucks.  Crossing in poor stormy weather doesn't bear thinking about.

The ferry a bit east also forces you to ride on 30 back to Astoria, which also isn't great riding.
« Last Edit: March 20, 2024, 09:49:37 am by davidbonn »