Highways 20 and 97 reopen, others closed; drivers urged to use ‘extreme caution’

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Two major highways into and out of Central Oregon closed by wildfires in recent days have reopened, ODOT said Wednesday, though the agency is advising motorists to "travel with extreme caution."

A nearly 40-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 20 has reopened between Sweet Home and the Santiam Junction with state Highway 22, which remains closed, the agency said.

"There are numerous lane closures along the route as crews continue power line work and wildfire response," ODOT said in an advisiory.

They urged motorists to watch for flaggers and crews throughout the area and to "be prepared for quickly changing, hazardous conditions."

Along with Highway 22 through the fire-hit Santiam Canyon, state Highway 126 (the McKenzie Highway) and Highway 242 (the McKenzie Pass Highway) remain closed, ODOT said.

Meanwhile, to the south of the High Desert, U.S. Highway 97 has reopened to escorted (pilot car) traffic about 30 miles south of the intersection with state Highway 138 (the East Diamond Lake Highway), after being closed Monday due to the fast-growing Two Four Two Fire north of Chiloquin.

ODOT said it is using pilot cars to guide traffic through the fire area and to "expect delays, travel with extreme caution and be prepared for conditions to change."

ODOT also said Wednesday that state Highway 138E (the North Umpqua Highway) has been closed between mileposts 16 and 83 due to wildfire, from the west end of Glide to the Oregon 230 (West Diamond Lake Highway) junction.

Check our ODOT TripCheck page for the latest conditions and closures.