On the Glenn Jackson Bridge, there’s some distance between the “Leaving Portland,” “Leaving Oregon” and “Entering Washington” signs. Is there any sort of immunity or complication for those who find themselves in this No Man’s Land? If I got a ticket, to whom would I pay it? Is gambling legal in this space between? —Virginia Dentata
It’s certainly tempting to believe in bridges as a secret, hidden dimension where the position of a few signs can short-circuit the entire legal system, like Captain Kirk melting a computer’s brain by telling it, “This statement is false.” However, the boring truth is that every inch of your journey across the river is jurisdictionally determined. Sorry to kill your dreams, but no, Virginia, there is no Santa Claus.
The big green “Entering Washington” sign really does mark the border between the two states. It may seem oddly close to the Washington side, but that’s just a coincidence—the boundary follows the Columbia’s main shipping channel, which happens to be nearer to Washington at the Interstate 205 crossing. You’re legally in Oregon until you pass this sign…