Scenic, winding McKenzie Pass Highway about to get 15-mile repaving; ODOT’s plea is for all to stay out, for safety’s sake

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The seasonally popular, winding and historic McKenzie Pass Highway (state Highway 242) is being cleared of winter snow as motorists and cyclists eager to travel it wait for the all-clear. But this year, there's more going on - a big paving project, and ODOT is pleading for everyone to stay out until they are done.

Here's Monday's message from the agency:

"As construction season ramps up, crews are setting their sights on McKenzie Pass. We will use funding from a Federal Lands Access Program grant to repave OR 242 from the junction with U.S. 20 in Sisters to the summit at Dee Wright Observatory. Improvement grants like this are critical to low-traffic volume roads like McKenzie Pass. 

"Crews are already working on early stages of the project, and travelers will notice work happening first in Sisters and progressing west up OR 242. 

"After a long winter, we know everyone is anxious to head out. Remember that when this road is closed, it is closed to everyone. Do not pass the closed gates, and never enter a work zone. This is especially important to remember this year as crews work behind the closed gates of OR 242 to make this route smoother and safer for everyone. Since crews will be working in a closed area, they may work any day of the week and heavy equipment will be on the road.

"Entering the project work zone is dangerous for you and for our crews. It can also cause delays and slow down the project timeline. Our project team is hoping to have all of the paving complete before the earliest possible opening date for the pass, the third Monday in June. Paving and project work is always weather-dependent and schedules may change."

"Up-to-date information is available on our project website."

That page shows the paving is part of a larger, $4.1 million McKenzie Highway project that isn't expected until be fully finished until the end of the year.

Along with the resurfacing, the work includes rebuilding shoulders and bike lanes where degraded or substandard, removing safety hazards near the lanes, updating ADA curb ramps as necessary and replacing or repairing signs and warning systems.

The project also includes installation of accessible bathrooms at Cold Springs Campground and Picnic Site and at Dee Write Observatory, bicycle parking at the observatory and pullouts and interpretive panels throughout the corridor.