Snow woes update: Hwy. 20 reopens over Santiam Pass; I-84 open again in NE Oregon

(Update: ODOT confirmsI-84, other routes)

'Travelers need to be prepared for anything that comes their way'

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – As much of Oregon digs out from this week’s wet, heavy snowfall, some roads have reopened, including U.S. Highway 20 over Santiam Pass, which reopened Wednesday morning. But once again, Interstate 84 in northeast Oregon closed for a time Wednesday due to crashes, slide-offs and semi-trucks without chains.

ODOT reported earlier Wednesday a 16-mile stretch of Highway 20 remained closed from milepost 91 (four miles east of Suttle Lake at the Camp Sherman turnoff) on the east to milepost 75 at the intersection with state Highway 22 on the west due to “unsafe driving conditions” and “multiple spun-out semi-trucks.” Alternate routes were urged.

At mid-morning, TripCheck indicated the westbound closure had ended, followed by the eastbound closure ending a short time later.

"It has opened, but folks should still expect delays and that conditions could change again," ODOT Region 4 spokeswoman Kacey Davey said.

You can check the latest conditions on our TripCheck page.

On Wednesday morning, ODOT said I-84 had closed again in northeast Oregon between Exit 216 six miles east of Pendleton and Exit 265 near La Grande “due to unchained semis blocking lanes on Cabbage Hill near milepost 224 and other crashes (and) slide-offs.”

“We expect this will be a lengthy closure,” the agency said in a tweet.

But I-84 reopened completely in Eastern Oregon later in the day (OR334 remains closed in northeast Oregon due to drifting snow.)

ODOT said:

Conditions remain unsettled across much of Oregon, including the mountain passes. Motorists should be prepared for winter conditions and unexpected delays, and include necessary items including food, blankets and a full tank of fuel.
ODOT maintenance crews continue to work extended schedules to maintain freely flowing traffic, but are experiencing some staffing shortages and travelers can expect reduced coverage in isolated areas.

Meanwhile, in southern Oregon, Oregon highways 138E, 62 and 230 are again open to traffic after a 41-hour closure, ODOT said. 

ODOT crews from throughout southwest Oregon plowed deep snow, removed trees and cleared slides during the three day closure. Motorists were advised watch for crews and equipment as they continue to widen the narrow roadways.

Budget extra time and be prepared for winter driving conditions when traveling over all Cascade mountain highways.

"We're in for more rain and rising river levels in the lowlands and more snow in the upper elevations," ODOT spokesman Don Hamilton said in a Wednesday morning update. "Add that to what those earlier storms left us over the past week. That means travelers needs to be prepared for anything that comes their way and be ready for lengthy delays."

"That means be extra-wary for road hazards like blowing snow, falling trees and high water," he added. "And that means pack a "go" bag stocked with food, water, a charged cell phone and any other supplies you might need if stuck in a closure."

But Interstate 84 is again open in the Columbia River Gorge, he said, and U.S. 26, closed over Mount Hood earlier this week by the winter blast, fully reopened early Wednesday.

Most state roads are open in Eastern Oregon, although OR 334 west of Athena in Umatilla County will remain closed for the next few days while crews attack six-foot high snowdrifts.

"And if you're out on the roads, look out for the crews who have been working so hard everywhere to keep the roads safe and clear," Hamilton said. "Give crews a wide berth so they can get the job done."