Old McKenzie Pass Hwy. to reopen next Monday

Oregon’s historic state Highway 242 , the Old McKenzie Pass Highway, will open to motor vehicles on Monday, June 15 at 9 a.m., ODOT announced Monday.

Motorists driving on this curvy road need to be aware of bicyclists and pedestrians on the roadway and take proper precautions, the agency said

Vehicles longer than 35 feet are prohibited from using the highway.

The first route over the McKenzie Pass, known as Craig’s McKenzie Salt Springs/Deschutes Wagon Road, was completed in 1872.

The McKenzie Pass Highway became a seasonal scenic highway in 1962 with the completion of the Clear Lake-Belknap Springs section of OR 126.

ODOT has established this day of the month, the third Monday in June, as a tentative permanent opening day for motor vehicles to allow all users to plan activities on the highway.