The Oregon Department of Transportation has activated a new gate at the exit from eastbound Interstate 84 to Multnomah Falls that will close when the parking lot is full to prevent dangerous backups onto the freeway travel lanes.  The parking lot exceeds capacity several times a year, especially on weekends, and cars waiting for parking spaces sometimes back up onto the eastbound I-84 travel lanes, creating a safety hazard.  ODOT has installed a gate that will close automatically when the parking lot is full.  It is accompanied by signs announcing the closure.   In addition, two large message boards will notify eastbound motorists when the parking lot is closed.  The first deployment of the gate is expected to take place over the coming Memorial Day holiday weekend.