The Port of Hood River is prohibiting the use of tire chains on the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge across the Columbia River in Oregon for all trucks 33,000 GVW and above during the 2002-2003 winter season.

"The steel decking on the bridge is deteriorating, and re-decking the bridge will not begin until October of 2003, said David Harlan, executive director of the Port of Hood River. Because of the shape it is in, trucks with chains will be prohibited from crossing the bridge."
This means that all trucks that are 33,000 pounds and above will be banned from using the bridge when the Oregon Department of Transportation requires trucks to use tire chains on I-84. It also applies when the Washington State Department of Transportation requires trucks to use tire chains on Washington State Route 14.
"The prohibition is intended to prevent backups, congestion and other problems that could happen if a number of trucks were trying to take chains off and put them back on in order to use the bridge," Harlan said.
ODOT and WSDOT will inform drivers about conditions and what equipment is needed on state highways during inclement weather.
When chains are required on either highway, trucks 33,000 pounds GVW and over will not be allowed to cross the bridge; drivers will be advised to find an alternate route. The penalty for violation is $100.