Oregon Roadways Reopen After Windstorm as ODOT Crews Clear Debris
Key Takeaways
- A powerful windstorm forced widespread road closures across Oregon due to fallen trees and power lines.
- ODOT crews worked overnight to reopen key routes, with continued delays possible as cleanup continues.
- Drivers are urged to use TripCheck.com, follow closure signs and avoid relying on GPS during recovery efforts.
Oregon roadways impacted in a heavy windstorm this week are reopening following round-the-clock work by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
The windstorm caused widespread road closures due to downed trees, fallen limbs and power lines, according to a ODOT press release. Closures affected key routes across the Cascades and southern Oregon, as well as Oregon Route 62, Oregon Route 138 and Oregon Route 230, according to KOBI-TV NBC 5.
ODOT Crews worked overnight to clear debris and remove fallen trees, while coordinating closely with utility companies to address downed power lines, the agency said.
While roadways reopen, power outages may continue to affect traffic signals, highway message boards and TripCheck cameras, ODOT noted, warning that travel delays are still likely as recovery efforts continue.
The agency urged drivers to check TripCheck.com for real-time road conditions and to postpone unnecessary travel.
According to KOBI-TV NBC5, drivers should remain alert for weakened trees and unstable soil especially in wildlife burn areas and mountain passes, where hazards may persist after the storm.
ODOT also released safety guidance reminding drivers to treat non-functioning traffic signals as four-way stops, avoid driving around road closures and not rely solely on GPS navigation, which may route vehicles onto unsafe or closed roadways.
The department reported receiving multiple accounts of motorists driving over fallen trees and bypassing closures, actions that pose serious risks to both drivers and emergency crews.
Sources: ODOT, KOBI-TV NBC5