Freshly paved McKenzie Pass will reopen on the Fourth, ODOT says – but the work isn’t over yet

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The scenic McKenzie Pass will open the morning of Thursday, July 4 with fresh, smooth pavement for all to enjoy, ODOT confirmed Wednesday. The pass has remained closed while crews paved the narrow and winding section of road between the winter gate and the summit on the east side of the pass. 

Funding from a Federal Lands Access Program grant is improving state Highway 242 from the junction with U.S. Highway 20 in Sisters to the summit at Dee Wright Observatory. Improvement grants like this are critical to low-traffic volume roads like McKenzie Pass, the agency says. 

While the paving between the winter gate and the summit on the east side is complete, paving will now be moving below the snow gate on the east side. This section of highway is wider, so crews will flag traffic through one lane while paving the other. Expect some delays while this work continues. After the paving is done, crews will stripe and sign the road. The project should be complete by late August. 

Drivers on this winding road need to be on the lookout for cyclists and pedestrians, as this is a popular scenic route for many types of road users. Vehicles longer than 35 feet are prohibited from using the highway due to its sharp, narrow curves.

Every year, ODOT closes McKenzie Pass from November to mid-June. Weather conditions, logistics and cost make it impractical to maintain for travel year around.

"When we close the road, it is closed to everyone and is not maintained," ODOT Region 4 Public Information Officer Kacey Davey says. "We do not open it early for cyclists or pedestrians. Even after the snow melts each spring, our crews have a lot of work to do before the road is safe for travel.

"Each winter trees come down, and heavy rain and snow move rocks and debris onto the road. All of this is cleaned up and the pavement is patched before we open. Take a look at these pictures and videos to see what it takes to open the pass every year."