Interstate 84 reopens in fire-hit Gorge – but westbound only

Westbound Interstate 84 between Hood River and Troutdale reopened to all travelers just before 6:30 p.m. Thursday, 10 days after the Eagle Creek Fire in the Columbia River Gorge forced closure of the highway.

All off-ramps along the 45-mile stretch of road will remain closed. This includes the off-ramps to Cascade Locks. Residents traveling to Cascade Locks will continue to use Bridge of the Gods. Travelers may not stop anywhere along Interstate. This is still an active fire zone. Travelers will see active fire along the highway and firefighting equipment will be active in the area. Stopping along shoulders is dangerous. Don’t stop to take pictures; the shoulder is for emergency stopping only. Cars parked on the shoulder will be towed. Tow trucks are staged in the area to ensure stopped vehicles are immediately towed. Please travel cautiously; other travelers may be distracted by the changed scenery. Do not use your electronic device while driving to take pictures or video. Follow all distracted driving laws. Please watch for–and move over for–emergency vehicles. Fire crews are still using the interstate to fight the fire. Travel through the area if only absolutely necessary.

If fire conditions change, I-84 westbound will close again. Travelers should be aware of this possibility and visit www.TripCheck.com to check road conditions before heading out.

Eastbound I-84 will remain closed until authorities are confident the road is no longer threatened by falling debris, rolling rocks and the ongoing fire. ODOT crews continue to remove danger trees and pull down rocks loosened by the fire.

ODOT closed I-84 in both directions at 6 p.m. on Monday Sept. 4 because of danger from the Eagle Creek Fire.