(Editor’s note: This story has been updated with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department officially announcing the delay. The video above was produced prior to that announcement.)
There’s a hitch in the project to replace the footbridge at Smith Rock State Park.
The footbridge closed August 14 and was scheduled to reopen September 22. But that completion date has been moved to mid-October, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced Tuesday.
One of the three main support beams broke while being delivered down the windy access road into the Crooked River canyon.
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The contractor is trying to determine if the glam beam, which is more than 100 feet long, can be repaired or if a new one must be manufactured from new material.
In the meantime, visitors to Smith Rock are limited to hiking on the Rim Rock Trail, Homestead Trail, Rope-de-Dope and Canyon trails and the North Point Loop.
Climbing areas currently accessible during construction: include North Point, Rope-de-Dope boulders and The Lower Gorge.
