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Astoria-megler BridgeThe Astoria-Megler Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge that spans the mouth of the Columbia River between Astoria, Oregon and Point Ellice near Megler, Washington. It was the last segment of United States Highway 101 between Canada and Mexico and is the longest continuous truss bridge in the world. The bridge was built to replace a ferry service purchased by the Oregon Department of Transportation in 1946. This ferry service did not operate during inclement weather and the half an hour travel time caused delays. The bridge was built jointly by the states of Washington and Oregon. Construction began on November 5, 1962. The concrete piers were cast at Tongue Point, 4 miles (6 km) upriver. The steel structure was built in segments at Vancouver, Washington, 90 miles (145 km) upriver, then barged downstream where hydraulic jacks lifted them into place. On August 27, 1966, with more than 30,000 people in attendance, Governors Mark Hatfield of Oregon and Dan Evans of Washington opened the bridge by cutting a ceremonial ribbon. It was a toll bridge until December 24, 1993. The bridge is 21,474 ft (6,545 m), just over 4 miles (6 km), in length and carries one lane of traffic in each direction. The main span is closest to the Oregon side. The bridge was built to withstand 150 mph (240 km/h) wind gusts and river speeds of 9 mph (14 km/h). External links
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