ODOT crews clear fallen trees, reopen Hwy. 138E

Oregon 138E fully reopened between Roseburg and U.S. Highway 97 late Thursday afternoon after a five-day closure near Diamond Lake due to downed trees and power lines from heavy snow last weekend.

Still, ODOT advised motorists should be prepared for winter driving conditions, including the ability to install chains. Due to changing weather, an active landslide at milepost 30 and crews working on or near the highway, drivers should expect intermittent single lane closures.

“An additional 14 inches of snow fell last night,” said ODOT District Manager Jerry Marmon. “It is imperative drivers and their vehicles are prepared for winter driving in the High Cascades.”

Marmon added that area snow parks will remain closed to recreation since the plows have been working to reopen the highways.

Oregon Highway 230 between Diamond Lake and the junction with Oregon Highway 62 north of Union Creek remains closed but may open before the end of the weekend, officials said. Crews were forced to evacuate from the area for safety Thursday as more trees fell on the highway.

Oregon 62 from the junction with Oregon 230, north of Union Creek, to the Crater Lake National Park boundary remains closed.

Diamond Lake Resort is open but has limited food service and no power. Resort officials say to check the Diamond Lake Facebook page for updated information.

All three Diamond Lake-area highways were closed Saturday due to a winter storm that pushed snow laden trees and power lines to fall on the highway. ODOT crews from several districts, including contract timber fallers and Pacific Power crews, had worked to reopen the highway since last weekend.

Travelers should check for updated road conditions at Tripcheck.com – here’s our link at KTVZ.COM.