Heavy Fog and ice create treacherous combination for I-84 travelers

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 02/27/2014 05:48 PM PST

Date: Feb. 27, 2014                                                                                       NR number: 14022715

For more information: Tom Strandberg - (541) 963-1330

 

Heavy Fog and ice create treacherous combination for I-84 travelers

PENDLETON, Ore. – Heavy fog and near zero visibility in the Deadman Pass and Cabbage Hill area of Interstate 84 between La Grande and Pendleton has resulted in numerous crashes and lengthy freeway closures over the past several days. In an attempt to keep travelers safe Oregon Department of Transportation crews are monitoring conditions and may close the freeway if conditions become too hazardous to drive in.

 

“The blanket of dense fog has contributed to numerous crashes in the past few days, especially after dark when temperatures drop and create icy conditions,” said ODOT Meacham Maintenance Manager Randy Randolph.

 

On Monday night about 16 vehicles crashed due to limited visibility and icy conditions between Meacham and Cabbage Hill. Nine of those vehicles were semi-trucks. It took most of the night to clear the road.

 

On Tuesday and Wednesday night ODOT closed the freeway when visibility got down to less than 100 feet. The freeway was open as soon as conditions improved.

 

It’s not often that weather conditions become too severe to drive in, but when drivers can’t see much beyond the front of their vehicle because of fog or blinding snow, it’s time to close that section of road until conditions improve.

 

“This is a safety issue,” Randolph said. “The goal is to help prevent serious crashes.”

 

Current weather forecasts call for less fog tonight and possible snow later in the week.

 

 

## ODOT ##