Vancouver’s Confluence Land Bridge reopens after renovations

Vancouver’s path symbolizing the historic connection between the Klickitat Trail, the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the growth of the Northwest opened Monday after being closed for months.

The Confluence Land Bridge, a walkway that arches over state Highway 14 east of Interstate 5, reopened after renovations were made to its decomposed granite surface and Kanaka Village Overlook. New artwork by Lillian Pitt, new name plates of Indigenous words, and historic panels will soon be installed.

Seattle architect Johnpaul Jones crafted the vision of the pathway in partnership with the National Park Service and the city of Vancouver, as well as consulted with artist Maya Lin on its design.

The bridge is part of the all-encompassing Confluence Project that aims to connect communities to the history, culture and environment along the Columbia River through Indigenous voices.

Pedestrians who access the bridge from its southern point walk under a “Welcome Gate” by Pitt, which was created to represent the site’s history as a tribal crossing and eventual meeting point with Europeans, according to The Confluence Project. Native plant and tree species surround the area and outlook areas feature Indigenous words and imagery.

A ceremony at 10:30 a.m. April 22 near the north end of the Land Bridge is set to dedicate the vision of the bridge and its reopening.