Fire damage to OR 126 McKenzie Highway

A new webpage will track progress on reopening highways and roads damaged by the fires in Oregon.

Motorists can go to www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Pages/Wildfire.aspx to see the status of work around the state.

Fallen trees, bent guardrails and damaged pavement will have to be dealt with before the highways are reopened. 

“It is likely to be some time before these roads open to full or even partial travel,” said Luci Moore, ODOT State Maintenance and Operations Engineer.

ODOT has begun removing hundreds of thousands of burnt and otherwise hazardous trees along OR 22 North Santiam Highway, OR 126 McKenzie Highway, and OR 138E, near Crater Lake. 

Roads that do reopen may have to sporadically be closed for additional repairs or damage from rain and rockslides. Partial openings, with motorists followed flag cars, will also occur. 

Drivers should check www.TripCheck.com for updates on closures.