Removal of 4,000 cut trees should allow full I-84 reopening

CASCADE LOCKS, Ore. (AP) – More than 4,000 cut trees remain on a patch of ground near Oregon’s Ainsworth State Park following a wildfire that struck the area this summer.
 
The Oregonian/OregonLive reports (http://bit.ly/2fgmPNW ) Oregon Department of Transportation workers have spent nearly two weeks removing the trees, which were deemed likely to be a threat to motorists. The trees have forced the eastbound lanes of Interstate 84 in the area to remain closed since Sept. 4.
 
The tree removal continued Thursday, primarily on Shellrock Mountain. But ODOT officials say those threats and others should be minimized enough by Sunday night or Monday morning to allow reopening of the eastbound section between Troutdale and Hood River. The westbound lanes opened Sept. 14.