I-84 reopens in E. Oregon after ODOT, OSP, others clear 170 vehicles from crashes; 19 people injured

(Update: ODOT reopens highway overnight)

PENDLETON, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Crews working through the night cleared about 170 vehicles and reopened Interstate 84 Tuesday morning in Eastern Oregon, nearly a day after snowy weather sparked several multi-vehicle crashes that injured nearly 20 people, ODOT and Oregon State Police reported.

Oregon State Police worked with ODOT, numerous area first responders and a half-dozen tow companies worked through the night to help get I-84 reopen, as more than 170 vehicles were removed from a nearly two-mile stetch of the freeway.

There were 17 injured patients transported from the crash scene; more than 70 people were taken to a reunification center set up at the Pendleton Convention Center, and two of those also were transported.

Here's ODOT's Tuesday morning update:

I-84 westbound freeway is now open in eastern Oregon. Good coordination with all responding crews, including law enforcement, fire stations, emergency responders, ODOT and over a half-dozen tow companies helped clear the route enough to open the freeway several hours ahead of earlier estimates. Disabled vehicles were moved off the roadway, with some being staged at the nearby truck weigh station and rest area.

"Outstanding response from our tow companies and all who responded, including law enforcement and EMS," said ODOT District 12 Manager Marilyn Holt. "They got everyone out fast, which made clearing the scene go well."

Much more work is needed and travelers should expect reduced speeds, crews working near the roadway, lane restrictions near the crash site, and winter conditions along the route. Drive with extra caution. 

Restrictions on OR 204 (Tollgate Hwy.) and OR 245 have been lifted. The eastbound freeway was open around midnight.

Conditions can change quickly. Continue checking TripCheck.com for current highway status, or call 511 / 800-977-6368. Outside Oregon, call 503-588-2941.

Earlier story:

A familiar situation faced Eastern Oregon motorists on Presidents Day as Interstate 84 was closed in both directions due to crashes and limited parking amid a new shot of winter weather, ODOT reported.

The eastbound freeway was closed between Exit 216 (six miles east of Pendleton) and Exit 265 (La Grande). Westbound was closed between Exit 374 (Ontario) and Exit 216. The closures are due to multiple vehicle crashes near milepost 230. The westbound freeway is closed at Ontario due to limited parking space in Baker City and La Grande.

Oregon State Police said there were several multi-vehicle crashes between Pendleton and La Grande, with numerous agencies involved. Troopers estimated as many as 98 vehicles involved in crashes, the largest involving 15 to 20 cars and trucks. There also were injuries, but a total number was not available as of yet.

ODOT said local traffic may be able to access the westbound freeway between Ontario and Baker City to get home (check for more information by clicking the closure icon on TripCheck.com).

ODOT said, "This is expected to be an extended closure lasting all night for westbound freeway and several hours for the eastbound freeway."

ODOT said Monday evening that crews were working to get the eastbound freeway open over the next several hours but that the westbound freeway was expected to remain closed until midday Tuesday, or later.

Oregon Highway 204 (the Tollgate Highway) and OR 245 were also closed to all but local traffic. They are not viable detour routes for freeway traffic, ODOT said.

Continue checking TripCheck.com for update conditions or call 511 / 800-977-6368. Outside Oregon, call 503-588-2941.