ODOT crews reopen slide-hit Hwy. 20 in Eastern Oregon to 2-way traffic, at reduced speeds

(Update: Highway reopens to 2-way traffic after slide)

JUNTURA, Ore. (KTVZ) -- ODOT crews reopened U.S. Highway 20 to two-lane traffic Thursday afternoon with reduced speeds through the area hit by mud and debris slides late Sunday 10 miles east of Juntura. The agency still advises motorists to slow down and plan for extra travel time along the route. 

ODOT crews had been working day and night with assistance from Malheur County crews to clear away tens of thousands of cubic yards of mud, rock, and other debris from the highway.

Heavy rain on Sunday resulted in multiple landslides along a mile stretch of road between mileposts 200 and 203. In some areas, the debris was more than 10 feet above the pavement. 

"We will continue working in the area," ODOT said Friday. "Travelers are advised to watch for crews, equipment and increased truck traffic as debris is hauled off to an approved disposal site." 

"We are monitoring weather reports and may need to temporarily close road sections if additional landslide activity is expected," the agency added. 

Highway 20 reopened Wednesday to one lane of traffic with pilot car escorts through the slide-hit area in Eastern Oregon.

Power and other utility lines also were knocked down, and ODOT advised at the time, "This is expected to be a lengthy closure of several days or more. Travelers will need to use alternate routes between Burns and Vale and are advised to stay on main state highways. Other local routes may also be impacted."

ODOT crews worked through the night and all Monday to open a one-lane access corridor through the debris field. Loaders working from both ends of the slide helped rescue three stranded motorists who were stuck between two slide areas.

No injuries were reported, and the stranded travelers were able to drive out after being provided gasoline. However, a portion of the opened corridor was later plugged with a new flow of debris Monday afternoon.

For updated conditions, watch for media announcements and continue checking TripCheck.com or call 511 / 800-977-6368. Outside of Oregon, call 503-588-2941. 

Photos from the slide area, including aerial drone images are posted on ODOT’s Flickr site at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAHv4C .