River pilots see vessels come within feet of hitting bridge over Columbia River near Longview

By: Henry Brannan

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: March 2, 2026

Words: 1,340

Last Updated: 1 week, 2 days ago

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Columbia River shipping industry leaders say there is a growing risk the Lewis and Clark Bridge between Rainier and Longview could be hit by a large vessel and possibly collapse.

About four years ago, industry leaders say a cruise ship came within at least a few feet of hitting the structure.

In addition, roughly two dozen ships experience engine failures while navigating the entire Columbia River each year.

The first weekend of February, for instance, …

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