SB Hwy. 97 in Redmond reopens after crash

(Update: Road reopens; info on Johnson Road closure)

A multiple-vehicle crash blocked southbound Highway 97 just south of Redmond for nearly an hour Tuesday evening, initial reports indicated.

The crash, reported shortly after 5:30 p.m., occurred south of the Yew Avenue interchange and apparently involved six vehicles.

A detour for traffic was in place less than an hour later as the investigation and clean-up was under way. The road reopened later in the evening.

Also, Johnson Road in the Tumalo area was closed for several hours after an excavator fell off a trailer, causing a big gash in the road.

The road was closed between Tyler and O.B. Riley roads, west of Tumalo State Park. Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said a truck hauling the excavator was going around a curve when its hitch snapped.

Crews were sent out to repair the damage and clean up a diesel fuel spill.

Follow traffic updates at KTVZ.COM’s TripCheck page.