Pack your chains and patience when traveling Mt. Hood

Dec. 28, 2016

For information: Kimberly Dinwiddie, Kimberly.Dinwiddie@odot.state.or.us; 503-539-8454

Pack your chains and patience when heading over Mt. Hood
Mountain passes seeing delays lasting several hours

Travelers heading to Mount Hood will ecnounter congestion and snow packed roads along U.S. 26 and Oregon Highway 35.

Chains or traction tires are currently required on the mountain. Before heading out travelers should use TripCheck.com for chain requirements.

Due to the number of vehicles on mountain passes, travelers should expect delays. Tuesday morning, U.S. 26 experienced a 20-mile backup from Welches to Government Camp causing two hour or more delays for travelers.

Here are some other tips for traveling in the mountains:

Consider transit: Visit www.mthoodexpress.com to learn about park and rides and schedules

Dress for the weather: Dress in warm layers and limit exposed skin.

Drive for the conditions of the road: Adjust your speed to the road conditions.

Use chains and traction tires: When chains are required, use the next chain up area to put on your tire chains. Continuing to drive in the snowy conditions hoping the road will improve is not a safe idea. Neither is stopping in the middle of the highway to put on tire chains.

Chain up areas and highway shoulders are not playgrounds: Use designated parking areas and never use chain up areas or highway shoulders as a place to play in the snow.

Don’t park your vehicle along the highway: Parking in highway shoulders prevents plowing activities, limits access for emergency responders and creates a safety hazard. for other road users. Abandoned or parked vehicles along the highway will be towed.

Consider your travel time: Mountain passes see the highest number of vehicles during the winter break and on weekends.

Know Before You Go: Visit TripCheck.com or calling 511. 

For more information about winter travel visit: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/Pages/winterdriving.aspx

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