ODOT working to repair, reopen fire-damaged highways

Oregon Department of Transportation maintenance crews are working to replace damaged infrastructure and remove burned hazard trees along two state highways that have been impacted by wildfires and remain closed to traffic.

The Dooley Mountain Highway, OR 245 south of Baker City has been closed for about a week due to the Cornet and Windy Ridge fires. U.S. 395 between Canyon City and Seneca has been closed since August 13 due to the Canyon Creek Complex fire.

On OR 245, ODOT crews are working this week to replace about two dozen signs and several sections of guardrail destroyed by the fire. Tree falling teams and other crew members will also remove over 100 fire-damaged trees and address rock fall issues that now pose a hazard to travelers.

Similar activities are underway by ODOT crews along U.S. 395. Numerous signs and guard rail posts need to be replaced along the fire damaged route, and over a hundred hazard trees removed. Falling rock and debris due to fire related erosion issues is another key safety concern that crews must attend to.

ODOT plans to open both routes by the end of the week, with some limitations, officials said.