Chains required in the Willamette Valley

Jan. 7, 2017

 

ODOT Contacts

Don Hamilton, 503-704-7452

Dave Thompson, 503-860-8021

 

Chains required on I-5 in the Willamette Valley because of icy road conditions

 

Because of hazardous driving conditions, chains are now required along Interstate 5 in the Willamette Valley from Eugene to Wilsonville.

 

The chains requirement extends from milepost 186 south of Eugene to milepost 282 in Wilsonville. The requirement will be in place until conditions improve.

 

All vehicles with a gross vehicle weight above 10k must use chains. Traction tires are allowed in place of chains on all vehicles under 10k gross vehicle weight, including passenger vehicles, and not towing. All towing vehicles must use chains.

 

ODOT is asking for assistance in enforcing the chain regulations from Oregon State Police and MCTD enforcement officers.

 

Freezing rain, sleet and snow have created slick roads and hazardous driving conditions throughout Oregon, especially on I-5 in the Eugene area. There are numerous crashes and vehicles spinning out.

 

Travelers should be aware of a layer of ice that may be lurking under the snow, making driving deceptively dangerous.

 

The best and safest option for travelers is to avoid driving in these hazardous conditions and postpone travels until temperatures rise and conditions improve.

 

For information on chain requirements, go to www.oregon.gov/odot/mct/pages/field.aspx

 

For updates on road conditions go to www.ripcheck.com.

 

##ODOT##