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This page holds all of the news articles that previously featured under the Recent Oregon Highway News section of the main page. Articles sorted by year.

Key

🔨 = Project information | 🚧 = Road closure information | 🔥 = Fire information | 💥 = Hazard information | 🧾 = Historical information | 🇺🇸 = National road news | 🌍 = World road news | 🔊 = Audio version/podcast episode available | 📺 = Video | 💲 = Paywall | 💰 = Obnoxious paywall | 😡 = Other webpage annoyances | 💀 = Dead link

Articles

2025

December

💥 Level 3 ‘Go Now’ evacuations still in place for Siletz landslide in Lincoln County

(12/17/2025 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland)

Friday’s massive landslide in Lincoln County continues to impact nearby residents as overnight rainstorms and flooding on Tuesday posed an ongoing threat to the destabilized terrain. As of Wednesday afternoon, Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations are still in place for the Siletz landslide impacting HWY 229.

😡 💥 🚧 Major highways from Willamette Valley to central Oregon blocked by storm damage

(12/17/2025 — KGW NBC 8 — Portland)

A number of roadways surrounding the Willamette Valley were closed after high winds swept into the region Tuesday night. As of Wednesday morning, there were multiple closures on U.S. Highway 20, in addition to closures on Oregon Routes 26, 22, 99, 126, 130, 213 and 219.

💥 🚧 Multiple Oregon highways close Wednesday as windstorm brings down trees, power lines

(12/17/2025 — OregonLive — Portland)

Damaging wind and wet weather early Wednesday caused downed trees, limbs and power lines closing area highways according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. Damaging wind and wet weather early Wednesday caused downed trees, limbs and power lines closing area highways according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.

💥 More landslides expected as PNW braces for second atmospheric river

(12/16/2025 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland)

Another atmospheric river is heading for the Pacific Northwest, but state geologists are warning the ground may not be able to handle it.

🔨 ‘Punted down the road’: PNW lawmakers await updated cost estimate for I-5 bridge projec

(12/16/2025 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland)

A new estimate on the cost to replace a bridge connecting Portland and Vancouver hangs in the balance as the project awaits a major decision.

💥 More rain on the way, increasing flooding, landslide risk in Pacific Northwest

(12/15/2025 — KATU ABC 2 — Portland)

Another atmospheric river is set to flow into the Pacific Northwest later this week, bringing with it the potential for landslides and debris flows. It is going to be “pretty darn damp toward the middle part of the week,” said KATU Meteorologist Dave Salesky.

😡 💥 🚧 ODOT delays work on clearing major Highway 229 slide due to continued fears of instability

(12/15/2025 — KGW NBC 8 — Portland)

A highway near the Oregon coast which was hit with a major landslide last week will remain closed for some time, transportation officials indicate, as they worry of continued instability and the potential for more weather impacts. The slide completely covered part of Highway 229 on Friday between Kernville and Siletz, southeast of Lincoln City.

😡 💥 🚧 N. Oregon Coast's Ecola State Park Closed Due to Landslides That Cracked Road

(12/15/2025 — Oregon Coast Beach Connection — Portland)

Cracked roads and landslides have again taken a chunk out of the fun at a major Oregon coast park. The Cannon Beach area's Ecola State Park is closed until further notice because of buckling roads caused by landslides.

💥 🚧 ‘Our worst fear’ Oregon Coast residents brace for more rain as atmospheric river set to return

(12/15/2025 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland)

As the next round of heavy rain sets its sights on the coast, the debris from homes swept away by a devastating landslide are washing up Monday. Transportation experts said the slide responsible for shutting down Hwy 229 at milepost 14 between Siletz and Kernville was one of the largest on record.

🔨 Washington and Oregon left waiting for new cost estimate to replace I-5 bridge

(12/15/2025 — Washington State Standard — Olympia, WA)

A group of Washington and Oregon lawmakers gathered Monday, expecting to hear a new estimate of the cost to replace the Interstate 5 bridge across the Columbia River. When it didn’t come, some on the bi-state and bipartisan committee assigned to keep tabs on the megaproject rebuked planners responsible for delivering the updated figures.

💥 🚧 No timeline for Hwy 229 to reopen after landslide; 10 homes on evacuation notice

(12/14/2025 — KPTV Fox 12 Oregon — Portland)

People living in 10 homes around the landslide that closed Highway 229 in Lincoln County have been placed on evacuation notice, the sheriff’s office said in an update on Sunday. On Friday, the landslide near Siletz affected roughly 0.2 miles of road and damaged two homes, along with a third building,

💥 🚧 Ten homes sent evacuation notices after OR 229 landslide, Lincoln County officials say

(12/14/2025 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland)

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is releasing more information about the massive landslide near milepost 14 of OR 229 that happened on Friday. Though initial reports on the day of the landslide said five homes had been evacuated, the sheriff’s office said on Sunday that ten homes “were placed on evacuation notice.”

💥 🚧 ‘Pure devastation’ of OR 229 landslide displaces residents as officials assess damage

(12/13/2025 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland)

A community is in recovery mode after a massive landslide displaced residents and impacted several homes on Friday morning. The landslide happened on OR 229, near milepost 14, at about the midpoint between the cities of Siletz and Kernville.

💥 🚧 Wilson River Loop Closed at Hwy. 101 to Sollie Smith

(12/13/2025 — Tillamook County Pioneer — Tillamook)

Wilson River Loop Road in Tillamook due to riverbank erosion causing undermining of the roadway. The river is causing severe bank erosion, threatening the adjacent roadway.

💥 🚧 Portion of rural Oregon highway disappears under massive slide

(12/12/2025 — OregonLive — Portland)

A mountain of earth has buried a stretch of OR 229 in rural Lincoln County, transportation officials said Friday. The state highway, which follows the bends of the Siletz River, is closed between milepost 14 and milepost 15 for an indefinite — and likely long lasting — closure.

Oregon truckers hit by new ODOT fines and program changes

(12/12/2025 — KEZI-TV ABC 9 — Eugene)

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is set to implement significant changes for trucking companies and carriers starting Jan. 1, 2026. These changes will see increased fines and the end of a key program.

Oregon tax opponents turn in ‘nearly 200,000’ signatures

(12/12/2025 — Oregon Public Broadcasting — Portland)

Hikes to Oregon’s gas tax, vehicle registration fees and a transit-oriented payroll tax will not go into effect as scheduled next month, after opponents of those changes submitted a massive number of voter signatures Friday.

💥 🚧 5 homes evacuated after ‘massive’ landslide near Siletz

(12/12/2025 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland)

Residents from five homes impacted by a landslide near the Siletz were successfully evacuated on Friday, officials with the Oregon Department of Transportation said. All of the people in the homes were safely accounted for but a section of OR 229 has been closed indefinitely.

😡 💥 🚧 Major landslide shuts down Highway 229 south of Lincoln City; homes damaged

(12/12/2025 — KGW NBC 8 — Portland)

A major landslide has blocked Oregon Highway 229 near Lincoln City. Oregon Department of Transportation officials say that it's going to be a long-term closure. The landslide happened between Kernville and Siletz around milepost 14, according to a social media post from ODOT.

💥 🚧 Massive landslide closes Highway 229 southeast of Lincoln City, ODOT says

(12/12/2025 — KATU ABC 2 — Portland)

Oregon Highway 229 is expected to remain closed for “several days” following a large landslide on Friday. The landslide occurred between mileposts 14 and 15, between milepost 14 and 15, between Kernville and Siletz. The slide took out a large portion of the highway, ODOT said.

💥 🚧 ‘Massive’ landslide destroys 3 homes, closes coastal highway near Siletz

(12/12/2025 — KPTV Fox 12 Oregon — Portland)

Three homes were destroyed in a landslide near Siletz that has closed OR 229 for an unknown amount of time on Friday, according to a Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputy. The massive landslide at Milepost 14 affected roughly 0.2 miles of road and has created hazardous conditions, and authorities are telling people to avoid the area entirely.

🔨 🚧 Lanes under Morrison Bridge to close overnight for the next two weekends

(12/12/2025 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland)

Traffic lanes under Portland’s Morrison Bridge will shut down overnight for two weekends for bridge improvements starting Friday. Multnomah County officials say the left lane of I-5 southbound will close the nights of Dec. 12 to 14 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

🔨 Rose Quarter Improvement Project staying alive but more funding is needed

(12/11/2025 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland)

Oregon’s long-stalled Rose Quarter Improvement Project is staying alive. On Thursday, the Oregon Transportation Commission voted to keep the $2 billion project moving forward, despite major funding shortfalls.

🔨 Oregon Transportation Commission advances I-5 Rose Quarter Project despite funding loss

(12/11/2025 — KATU ABC 2 — Portland)

The I-5 Rose Quarter Project will move forward, despite the loss of significant funding from the federal government. The Oregon Transportation Commission voted Thursday to move forward with Option 4, which previously did not exist.

Eugene's River Road gets safer with new speed limit change

(12/11/2025 — KEZI-TV ABC 9 — Eugene)

A significant change is on the horizon for the River Road area as a joint initiative by the City of Eugene and Lane County aims to enhance safety through a reduced speed limit.

🚧 TRAFFIC ALERT: County closing Stark Street Bridge to all semi-trucks traveling from Historic Columbia River Highway

(12/11/2025 — Multnomah County — Portland)

Effective immediately, the Stark Street Bridge is closed to all semi-trucks and commercial trucks that weigh more than 19 tons and are traveling from the Historic Columbia River Highway. Signs are now posted near the bridge alerting drivers.

💥 🚧 ‘Got to get out of here’: Oregon Coast grapples with aftermath of atmospheric river

(12/10/2025 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland)

One day after rivers swelled and highways flooded on the Oregon Coast, local residents are left dealing with the aftermath.

🔨 82nd Avenue bus lane plans spur differing letters from Portland businesses, organizations

(12/9/2025 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland)

Ahead of a TriMet Board of Directors meeting later this week, several groups have pushed leaders to consider varying updates to one of Portland’s most dangerous corridors.

💥 Flood watch in Benton County: essentials for your safety plan

(12/9/2025 — KEZI-TV ABC 9 — Eugene)

A flood watch is in effect for Benton County through Thursday, Dec. 11. According to Benton County officials, residents should prepare for potential flooding and winter weather.

😡 💥 🚧 Several Oregon Highway 101 sections closed due to landslide, heavy rainfall from atmospheric river

(12/9/2025 — KGW NBC 8 — Portland)

Several sections of Highway 101 down the Oregon Coast are closed due to landslides and flooding Tuesday morning as a pair of atmospheric rivers bring increased rainfall to the area.

💥 🚧 Live Updates: Hwy 101 closed near Seaside due to flooding; Multiple closures in Clark Co.

(12/9/2025 — KPTV Fox 12 Oregon — Portland)

Heavy rainfall from an atmospheric river has prompted flood warnings for parts of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. It’s also causing some issues for local school districts.

💰 💥 🚧 Center Street Bridge work in Salem to include lane closures, delays

(12/9/2025 — Salem Statesman-Journal — Salem)

A project to strengthen Salem's Center Street Bridge from a major earthquake is expected to be under construction in 2026.

💥 Winter storm brings flooding to Western Oregon & SW Wash., knocks out power for thousands

(12/8/2025 — KATU ABC 2 — Portland)

With heavy rain in the forecast through Wednesday, parts of Western Oregon and Southwest Washington are facing the threat of flooding. The winter storm prompted several flood warnings and watches from the National Weather Service, including along the coast and local waterways that are prone to flooding.

🇺🇸 Border Patrol used hidden cameras to flag drivers hundreds of miles from the border: AP

(12/8/2025 — WPEC CBS 12 News — West Palm Beach, FL)

The CBS12 News I-Team is digging into a new Associated Press (AP) investigation that reveals U.S. Border Patrol has been tracking and flagging drivers — not for breaking traffic laws, but for their travel patterns — raising fresh privacy questions here in Florida.

🚧 Historic Columbia River Highway reopens after landslide near Troutdale

(12/4/2025 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland)

All lanes of the Historic Columbia River Highway were closed two miles east of Troutdale due to a landslide on Thursday. The closure took place around 6 p.m. The highway reopened around 7:30 p.m.

Mystery Decorations Appear on Highway 26 Median Tree; ODOT Warns of Risks

(12/4/2025 — KXL FM News 101 — Portland)

A small Douglas fir tree in the center median of U.S. Highway 26 is once again drawing attention after being mysteriously decorated for the holidays — despite the dangers of stopping along the busy freeway.

2024

February

💰🔨 Design Selected for Major Interchange Between Salem and Oregon Coast

(2/11/2024 — Salem Statesman Journal — Salem)

The Oregon Department of Transportation has selected as its preferred option a redesigned intersection of Highways 22 and 51 four miles west of Salem and on the way to the Oregon Coast that includes an overpass, roundabouts and access roads.

January

💥 🚧 Slide closes South River Road, traffic blocked until at least Monday

(1/28/2024 — Salem Reporter — Salem)

A landslide has closed South River Road as city crews evaluate the conditions. The road is closed from Owens Street South to the entrance of Minto-Brown Island Park. The park remains open.

💥 🚧 High Water In Hillsboro Closes Roads And Parks

(1/28/2024 — Hillsboro Herald — Hillsboro)

Water, water, everywhere! The month is not over yet, but Hillsboro, Oregon, and the valley will end up at the end of this month with a January 2024 total of 8.5+ inches. We average 5.14 inches in January historically.

😡 💥 🚧 Mudslide in Astoria impacts 7 residences, closes road

(1/27/2024 — KGW NBC 8 — Portland)

A slow-moving mudslide is affecting residents and has closed a section of a street in Astoria, officials said Saturday morning. The mudslide was reported around 10:01 a.m. in the area of 27th Street and Grand Avenue. Police notified residents and city public works officials, who are assessing the situation.

🔨 ODOT seeking public feedback on plan between Phoenix and South Medford

(1/26/2024 — KDRV NewsWatch 12 — Medford)

The Oregon Department of Transportation is asking for public feedback on a potential overpass between Phoenix and the South Medford exit. ODOT is reviewing multiple roadway options to lift stress on area interchanges and local roads.

📺 Grant’s Getaways: A paradise for birds and beasts can be found along this Oregon backroad byway

(1/26/2024 — KGW NBC 8 — Portland)

A cold winter chill may dampen, but never drown my spirit for adventure along Oregon roadways that are less traveled; especially when I’ve so much wild company to show the way.

Class action lawsuit filed against Medford for red-light trap

(1/25/2024 — KOBI-TV NBC 5/KOTI-TV NBC 2 — Medford/Klamath Falls)

After almost two years in the making, a class action lawsuit has been filed against the City of Medford and the Medford Police Department. The class action pertains to a photo red-light camera ticketing program that the plaintiff and attorney on the case claim has been operating illegally.

😡 🚧 Highway 26 back open after rolled-over semi removed

(1/24/2024 — Central Oregon Daily — Bend)

Highway 26 is now open between Mt. Hood and Warm Springs following a closure to recover a semi-truck that crashed Tuesday, says ODOT. The Highway was re-opened around 7:45 pm Wednesday evening after closing earlier in the afternoon.

😡 💥 ODOT: Pothole may have damaged around 40 cars on I-205 172-mile bike and pedestrian corridor in development in southwest Oregon

(1/23/2024 — KGW NBC 8 — Portland)

An emergency pothole repair is underway on a lane of I-205 southbound after an estimated 40 cars were "potentially damaged", according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

🔨 172-mile bike and pedestrian corridor in development in southwest Oregon

(1/23/2024 — KDRV NewsWatch 12 — Medford)

The Rogue-Umpqua Bicycle and Pedestrian Corridor plan helps address bicycle and pedestrian needs along the entire 172-mile corridor. That corridor consists of North Umpqua Highway, Diamond Lake Highway, Crater Lake Highway and Sams Valley Highway.

🚧 PHOTOS: Driver ignores Tillamook County road closure, plunges into hole left by 200-foot landslide

(1/22/2024 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland)

An unknown driver in Tillamook County drove past safety barricades during the early morning hours of Jan. 21 before plunging into a hole left by a 200-foot landslide, which shut down Sandlake Road on Dec. 6.

😡 🔨 $200 million federal grant will help fund Hood River bridge replacement

(1/22/2024 — KGW NBC 8 — Portland)

The Hood River Bridge replacement project has secured a $200 million federal grant, enough to cover more than a third of the projected cost of a new bridge across the Columbia River between Hood River and White Salmon.

🚧 I-84 reopens in Columbia River Gorge

(1/19/2024 — OregonLive — Portland)

Oregon transportation officials reopened a 47-mile stretch of Interstate 84 in the Columbia River Gorge that had been closed since Tuesday afternoon. The closure of the freeway from Troutdale to Hood River lasted nearly 31 hours.

💥 East MultCo. still plagued by icy roads and downed power lines

(1/18/2024 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland)

A powerline that struck an occupied car Thursday night in Troutdale is just one example of the freezing rain making a mess of local roads and causing outages — particularly in East Multnomah County — just as parts of the greater Portland area were starting to thaw out.

🚧 Hwy 26 closed west of Warm Springs due to spun-out trucks

(1/18/2024 — KPTV Fox 12 Oregon — Portland)

Highway 26 is closed near Warm Springs, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. Just after 10 a.m., ODOT posted on X about the closure from milepost 100 to 101, west of Warm Springs. Several trucks have spun out on the highway.

🚧 📺 Truckers wait for I-84 to reopen between Troutdale and Hood River

(1/17/2024 — KPTV Fox 12 Oregon — Portland)

Driving conditions are bad everywhere but even more dangerous as you head toward the Gorge.

🚧 ODOT warns drivers to prepare for slippery roads, announces road closures

(1/17/2024 — KVAL 13 News — Eugene, OR)

As temperatures begin to warm up, ice and snow will melt. That's why the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is telling drivers to be prepared for slippery roads and high water.

💥 Icy conditions causing loss of traction, downed power lines on I-5

(1/16/2024 — KATU ABC 2 — Portland)

Icy conditions are causing vehicles to lose traction and crash on the southbound off ramp of Interstate 5 at Exit 199, Oregon Dept. of Transportation reports. They advise motorists to use an alternate route.

🚧 Fatal two-vehicle crash closes Oregon Highway 58 near Odell Lake for hours

(1/16/2024 — KTVZ NewsChannel 21 — Bend)

A two-vehicle crash Monday night on Oregon Highway 58 near Odell Lake claimed a life and closed the highway for hours, authorities said. The crash was reported around 9 p.m. near milepost 61, about halfway between the Highway 9[7] junction and Oakridge.

🚧 ODOT closes I-84 through the Columbia River Gorge

(1/16/2024 — KATU ABC 2 — Portland)

The Oregon Department of Transportation says they have closed I-84 in the Gorge before conditions become unsafe. “We close the gorge when conditions are unsafe, and we will keep it closed until we can get the roads safe again...”

💥 I-5 backup leaves drivers stranded for hours

(1/15/2024 — KEZI-TV ABC 9 — Eugene)

Hundreds of people are home safe after spending more than 15 hours stuck on Interstate 5 south of Eugene, but many more are still stuck on the highway. Spin-outs and loss of traction caused multiple accidents, and brought traffic on I-5 Northbound near Cottage Grove to a stand-still.

🚧 PBOT provides update after 3 days of winter storm: 44 roads closed in Portland

(1/15/2024 — KATU ABC 2 — Portland)

Although there are currently 44 closed roads in Portland, the Portland Bureau of Transportation says that if you have any important errands to run, you should do them today - because more winter weather expected tomorrow will tangle things up again.

🔨 🔊 Historic Columbia Gorge highway is one step nearer completion, with world-class aspirations

(1/11/2024 — Oregon Public Broadcasting — Portland)

There are 77 waterfalls along the Columbia River Gorge, and that’s just on the Oregon side. You can catch a glimpse of some as you drive along Interstate 84. But for the best views, you need to travel the old Columbia River Highway, which snakes along the basalt walls offering one picture book scene after another.

2023

December

Tolls on U.S. 26, Hwy 217? Local leaders to consider study’s proposal

(12/27/2023 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland)

Tolling has been a hot topic in the Portland metro area throughout 2023, but that heat could spread next year as government leaders consider tolling on the west side. A new study by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Metro focused on improving gridlock during commute times on Highway 26 and Highway 217 — and proposed tolling as a possible solution.

Wilsonville City Council votes to survey public on I-5 and I-205 possible tolling plans

(12/23/2023 — KATU ABC 2 — Portland)

The Wilsonville City Council this week voted to join other cities in an effort to poll public opinion on adding tolls to I-5 and I-205. There is no official plan to add any tolls. In fact, Governor Kotek ordered ODOT to pause all tolling efforts until 2026.

🔨 Interstate 5 Bridge replacement project wins $600 million federal grant; $4 billion total now secured

(12/15/2023 — The Columbian — Vancouver, WA)

Christmas came early for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program in the form of a $600 million federal grant, announced Friday by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Oregon drivers can pass cyclists in no-passing zones starting in January

(12/12/2023 — Oregon Public Broadcasting — Portland)

A new law in Oregon will let drivers pass a slow-moving cyclist in a no-passing zone. Starting Jan. 1, vehicles traveling at less than half the speed limit will be considered road obstructions.

February

💰 Columbia Gorge highway timed-entry ‘waterfall corridor’ permits won’t return in 2023

(2/9/2023 — Salem Statesman-Journal — Salem)

Federal and state officials have decided not to return to a permit system that limited the number of people traveling into the Columbia Gorge’s “waterfall corridor” on the historic highway this coming summer.

January

💥 🚧 Rockfall closes Oregon Highway 229 in the Coast Range, south of Lincoln City

(1/28/2023 — KATU ABC 2 — Portland)

Oregon Highway 229, the Siletz Highway, is closed by a rockfall at milepost 18 according to ODOT.

🧾 How Did the Banfield Freeway Get Its Name?

(1/22/2023 — Willamette Week — Portland)

How did the Banfield Freeway get its name? I tried Googling, but all I can find is stuff about Banfield Pet Hospital. Was there a Dr. Cyrus Q. Banfield back in the day who became famous as Portland’s first veterinarian?

2022

December

🔨 Washington State Is Losing Control of the Columbia Interstate Bridge Replacement Megaproject

(12/28/2022 — The Urbanist)

When state lawmakers from both Oregon and Washington met earlier this month to discuss the latest updates on plans to replace Interstate 5 over the Columbia River, the team overseeing the project had just announced that the total cost estimate for the five-mile highway project had gone up by more than $2.5 billion in the upper-end estimate.

🧾 100 years of the Willamette’s Arch Bridge

(12/28/2022 — Oregon Public Broadcasting — Portland)

One hundred years ago the Willamette Arch Bridge opened, connecting Oregon City and West Linn. The Oregonian reported an estimated 10,000 people attended the Dec. 28, 1922, dedication ceremony.

🔨 PBOT announces safety improvements to Northeast Killingsworth

(12/12/2022 — KATU ABC 2 — Portland)

A section of Northeast Killingsworth in the Cully neighborhood is slated to receive a variety of safety improvements that include protected bike lanes, the Portland Bureau of Transportation said Monday.

🚧 ODOT: Columbia River Highway now open following landslide Saturday afternoon

(12/10/2022 — KATU ABC 2 — Portland)

ODOT says the highway has reopened following a slide that had temporarily closed it Saturday afternoon. ODOT was able to work quickly to get the highway open. It had been closed at Vista House at Crown Point.

💰 💥 Winter storm warning issued for Oregon mountain passes into Saturday for 1-2 feet of snow

(12/9/2022 — Salem Statesman-Journal — Salem)

More snow is headed for Oregon's mountain passes and roads into this weekend. A winter storm warning has been issued for Friday and Saturday due to a forecast of 12 to 24 inches of snow above 2,000 feet but with the greatest impact coming above 4,000 feet, mainly between Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson, according to the National Weather Service in Portland.

💰 💥 Winter storm to bring another big snow dump on Oregon Cascade passes, likely into weekend

(12/7/2022 — Salem Statesman-Journal — Salem)

Two rounds of snow are expected to hit Oregon’s Cascade Range late this week and this weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Portland. Both systems could disrupt travel over Oregon's Cascade Range passes while bringing more snow to ski areas and winter recreation destinations.

🔨 How are people supposed to commute around Portland when the I-5 and I-205 tolls arrive?

(12/6/2022 — KGW NBC 8 — Portland)

In November, we took a look at what you can expect from tolling programs that are currently under development by the Oregon Department of Transportation for parts of I-5 and I-205.

ODOT crews install boulders to prevent encampments under Portland overpass

(12/6/2022 — KPTV Fox 12 Oregon — Portland)

The Oregon Department of Transportation is working to keep encampments away from Interstate 5 by adding large boulders. FOX 12 found crews placing boulders under the Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Northeast Marine Drive overpass. ODOT says it’s a well known campsite.

🔨 PBOT pushes new Powell Blvd truck detour

(12/2/2022 — BikePortland — Portland)

In the wake of an October crash that killed Portlander Sarah Pliner while she biked across Southeast Powell Blvd at 26th Avenue, advocates have pressed for changes. Pliner died after being hit by a man driving a semi-truck north on 26th Avenue as he made a sweeping right turn onto Powell and swiped her with the truck trailer in the process.

🧾 McKenzie River Crossings

(12/1/2022 — McKenzie River Reflections — McKenzie Bridge)

So much of the time we go busily about our everyday life with no thought of how our area got to be the way it is now. I find that most people really take interest in and enjoy the area much more once they learn something about the history behind it.

November

🔨 ODOT plans to toll Portland freeways, but first they want to hear from you

(11/26/2022 — Oregon Public Broadcasting — Portland)

Like a road sign ahead of mountainous curves, the Oregon Department of Transportation is trying to flag what’s ahead. For drivers in Portland, it’s tolls. The transportation agency has recently opened a public comment period on a pair of tolling projects that could begin charging some drivers as soon as 2024, before growing elsewhere in the city in 2025.

💥 Plow operator shortage means Oregon drivers should prepare for snowed-in roads this winter

(11/25/2022 — OregonLive — Portland)

The Oregon Department of Transportation says a shortage of snowplow drivers means crews will be slower to clear roads, and that drivers should take extra precautions this winter. ODOT spokesperson Don Hamilton said the agency has 382 vacant maintenance positions statewide.

💰 💥 Winter storm warning issued for Oregon Cascade passes this weekend due to heavy snow

(11/25/2022 — Salem Statesman-Journal — Salem)

A winter storm warning for heavy snow and high winds has been issued for Oregon mountain passes from early Sunday morning into Monday. The weather could impact travelers heading between the Willamette Valley and Central Oregon after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

September

Judge rules ODOT failed to comply with public records request

(9/27/2022 — The Oregonian — Portland, OR)

The state transportation department failed to provide the proper documents in response to a public records request, a judge determined on Monday. Portland lawyer Alan Kessler took the Oregon Department of Transportation to trial, alleging that the agency altered public records that he requested regarding a proposed expansion of Interstate 5 in Portland.

Oregon byway makes list of 7 scenic drives for fall foliage in U.S.

(9/26/2022 — KOIN CBS 6 — Portland, OR)

Hardy, coniferous trees are an icon of Central Oregon, but the region gets its fair share of fall color — just like western parts of the state. In fact, the “dazzling” red vine maple trees found along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway recently earned the stretch of roadway recognition on CNN’s list of “7 scenic drives across the United States for your fall foliage fix.”

🔨 Another traffic light is being installed on Coburg Road in Eugene

(9/22/2022 — KVAL 13 News — Eugene, OR)

In the next couple of months, you'll have another stop along Coburg Road in Eugene as a new traffic light is currently being installed. A planned development on the corner of Elysium Avenue and Coburg Road is the reason behind the new light. Neighbors have mixed reactions on what it will mean for traffic in the area.

🔨 C-Tran CEO Donaghy airs I-5 Bridge replacement plan worries

(9/22/2022 — The Columbian — Vancouver, WA)

C-Tran’s CEO Shawn Donaghy recently raised concerns about a breakdown in communication between the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program and C-Tran. Donaghy, who spoke for roughly 25 minutes during the Sept. 13 C-Tran Board of Directors meeting, also raised concerns and frustrations about whether a proposed light rail station in Vancouver would be elevated, light rail activists within the bridge replacement team and where trains will be stored.

🚧 I-84 closures coming this weekend; Tri-met working on a new bridge

(9/21/2022 — KATU ABC 2 — Portland)

A KATU traffic alert,in two days both directions of I-84 will shut down near the I-205 interchange. The closure will last the entire weekend, starting at 10:00 p.m. Friday, September 23. I-84 should reopen by 4:00 a.m. on Monday, September 25. This is all for work on a new light rail bridge over the freeway. Drivers will need to find an alternate route during the closure.

🔨 The State Highway Department Withheld Information About the Billion-Dollar Rose Quarter Project

(9/21/2022 — Willamette Week — Portland)

A long-running disagreement over public information concerning a proposed $1 billion highway project is set for trial in Marion County Circuit Court next week. At issue is a seemingly straightforward question: What does the public think of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s plan to widen Interstate 5 at the Rose Quarter?

😡 📺 Welcome to the High Desert highway that is one-of-a-kind in Oregon

(9/21/2022 — Central Oregon Daily — Bend)

The Oregon Department Of Transportation owns and maintains about 8,000 miles of state highways. One small section of that 8,000 miles is unique. And it’s located in the High Desert. Oregon Highway 27 starts as Main Street in Prineville. On its entire 44.78-mile southbound route, there is only one sign telling you that you’re driving OR 27.

🔨 Highway Boondoggles, Part VII: Oregon’s Abernethy Insanity

(9/20/2022 — StreetsBlog USA)

Every day, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation, more than 100,000 vehicles travel the seven-mile stretch of Interstate 205 between Stafford Road and Oregon Route 213 in Oregon City — the often congested last remaining four-lane section of I-205. As part of its “I-205 Improvements Project,” the agency’s solution is to add a third lane in each direction on I-205 between Stafford Road and OR 99E, as well as a northbound entrance-to-exit lane (or “auxiliary lane”) between OR 99E and OR 213.

🔨 ODOT enters design phase of new bridge over Willamette River near Green Acres Road

(9/20/2022 — KEZI-TV ABC 9 — Eugene)

The Oregon Department of Transportation has officially entered the design phase for a new bridge that runs over the Willamette River. Earlier this year, organizers ran into issues raising money to get the project started. Despite the fact they are still working to find the money to begin construction, they now have enough to dive deeper into the design phase.

🔨 I-5 Rose Quarter update: ODOT’s survey, Tubman relocation, and more

(9/20/2022 — BikePortland — Portland)

Now that the City of Portland and the Albina Vision Trust have both signed onto Oregon Department of Transportation plans to expand I-5 at the Rose Quarter it may seem like smooth sailing for the controversial project. And if Governor Kate Brown gets her wish, pro-freeway candidate Lee Beyer will be the next member of the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC), which would give the project even more institutional support within the state legislature.

Environmentalists Want Gov. Kate Brown to Rescind Appointment to Transportation Commission

(9/20/2022 — Willamette Week — Portland)

On Aug. 31, Gov. Kate Brown announced she’d nominated 114 people to state boards and commissions. One of those picks is receiving significant blowback: Brown’s selection of outgoing state Sen. Lee Beyer (D-Springfield) to serve on the Oregon Transportation Commission. Eleven environmental groups—including 1000 Friends of Oregon, the Street Trust and Oregon Walks—penned a Sept. 13 letter to Brown objecting to Beyer’s nomination.

🔨 Why alternative Interstate 5 Bridge replacement ideas won’t work

(9/18/2022 — The Columbian — Vancouver, WA)

Nearly everyone agrees the Interstate 5 Bridge is not serving the region well. It would be catastrophically damaged in a big earthquake, it lacks breakdown and auxiliary lanes, it is not safe for pedestrians or cyclists and freeway congestion is terrible — heaven forbid you’re traveling north after 3 p.m. What people can’t agree on is what should replace it.

🚧 Highway 58 paving project moved to daytime hours

(9/17/2022 — KEZI-TV ABC 9 — Eugene)

Paving work along Highway 58 is switching to daytime hours starting September 19th. This is along Oregon Highway 58 from the tunnel to milepost 70. Officials with the Oregon Department of Transportation said in order to get all paving done with the weather is good, they are switching work to daytime hours.

🔥 Cascade Lakes Highway being used as a fuel break against Cedar Creek Fire

(9/12/2022 — Central Oregon Daily — Bend)

A second incident command was established at Mt. Bachelor over the weekend to manage the east side of the Cedar Creek Fire. One of many strategies being considered is using the Cascade Lakes Highway as a fuel break to prevent the fire from running east toward La Pine. Preparing the highway to function as a fuel break means the corridor will look very different whether fire reaches it or not.

🧾 City of Salem Honoring Civil Rights Icon by Renaming Salem Parkway

(9/10/2022 — City of Salem Community News — Salem)

Salem is renaming Salem Parkway (also known as State Highway 72) in honor of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Oregon Department of Transportation will be changing 11 signs from Salem Parkway to the abbreviated Dr. MLK Jr Pkwy in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. beginning Friday, September 9.

🚧 🔥 Nearly 2-week closure of U.S. Highway 20 east of Sweet Home begins amid Hwy. 58 closure due to Cedar Creek Fire

(9/8/2022 — KTVZ NewsChannel 21 — Bend)

The nearly two-week construction and landslide repair closure of U.S. Highway 20 east of Sweet Home began Sunday, delayed by two days for traveler safety due to critical fire conditions. The closure originally was scheduled to begin Friday. ODOT urges travelers to visit TripCheck.com for the most current information.

August

Animal crossings over and under highways can save big dollars — not just lives — says new study

(8/31/2022 — Oregon Public Broadcasting — Portland)

Collisions between vehicles and large animals, like deer, are not only scary. The medical, car repair and cleanup costs really add up. That is according to a new study out of Washington State University that supports the case for building more wildlife crossings on highways. The Oregon and Washington transportation departments are adding wildlife overpasses, underpasses and related fencing bit by bit, as scarce funding allows.

ODOT to rename stretch of I-5 that honored former KKK member

(8/31/2022 — Portland Tribune — Portland)

Robert Hugh "Sam" Baldock, a renowned highway engineer who shaped Oregon's freeway system, was so accomplished that Interstate 5 between Portland and Salem was officially named the Baldock Freeway. But now Baldock's name is being scrubbed from state transportation facilities because Baldock was a past Ku Klux Klan member.

🧾 🔊 How freeway builders collided with Oregon’s growth management system

(8/5/2022 — Oregon Public Broadcasting — Portland)

[Meeky] Blizzard had become the leading face of political opposition to a proposed freeway that would have run along the fringes of Washington County’s suburban fringe. Known as the Westside Bypass, the 20-mile freeway was ardently sought by the county’s business and political leaders. But their freeway-building vision clashed with Oregon’s pioneering new growth management system — those rules about where and how land could be developed.

May

🚧 🔨 Full road closure of OR 47 starting May 16

(5/6/2022 — Oregon Department of Transportation)

We're starting work soon to replace the West Fork Dairy Creek Bridge! Starting May 16, expect OR 47 to be closed to the north and south of the bridge as our crews work on replacing the 80 year old bridge.

March

💀 🔨 Oregon Transportation Commission approves millions for Highway 97 reroute in Bend

(3/30/2022 — Bend Bulletin — Bend)

The intersection of Cooley Road and U.S. Highway 97 on the north side of Bend. The Oregon Transportation Commission approved funding Wednesday to realign Highway 97 and improve U.S. Highway 20.

February

😡 🔨 ODOT releases new 'dogbone' concept design for Lower Bridge Way

(2/5/2022 — Central Oregon Daily — Bend)

The Oregon Department of Transportation has announced a new construction concept at Highway 97 and Lower Bridge Way - a historically dangerous intersection in Terrebonne. It's called a “dogbone” and it manages traffic similar to a roundabout.