ODOT Eagle Creek Fire Update

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Eagle Creek Fire

ODOT Update

9:15 pm Saturday Sept. 16, 2017

 

ODOT Contacts

Dave Thompson, 503-860-8021

Kimberly Dinwiddie, 503-539-8454

Don Hamilton, 503-704-7452

 

Eastbound I-84

  • Eastbound I-84 remains closed between Troutdale and Hood River, milepost 17 to 62. Rock scaling and removal of danger trees continues but there is no deadline for re-opening the eastbound lanes.
  • The decision to re-open the eastbound lanes will take place in consultation with fire officials and law enforcement to determine when the road is safe and the fire is no longer a threat.
  • ODOT continues the effort to remove rock and trees that threaten the road. More than 3,000 dangerous trees have been removed with hundreds, perhaps more, still to be removed. Even when these efforts are complete the road won’t re-open until fire no longer threatens the road

Westbound I-84

  • The westbound lanes re-opened at 6:30 p.m. Thursday between Hood River and Troutdale. All ramps are closed in that section of road except for the exit 44 ramps into and out of Cascade Locks.
  • Travelers may not stop anywhere along this section of road, which remains an active fire zone.
  • Cars parked on the shoulder will be towed. Tow trucks are staged in the area to ensure stopped vehicles are immediately towed.

Historic Columbia River Highway

  • Since soon after the Sept. 2 start of the fire, a 12-mile section of the Historic Columbia River Highway has been closed between Larch Mountain Road and Ainsworth State Park. ODOT plows have been keeping the road clear of trees and boulders so fire crews can use the road.
  • ODOT has started assessing damage to the highway and the process of determining steps needs for restoration.
  • No schedule for re-opening the HCRH has been set. ODOT expects an extended closure.

 

Columbia Gorge Express

 

  • The fire caused the cancelation of the final three weeks of the Columbia Gorge Express bus, which was scheduled to complete its 2017 service on the weekend of Sept. 22-24. ODOT is planning expansion of the service in 2018.

 

Slides

  • The burning away of underbrush increases the slide threat along I-84 and the Historic Columbia River Highway. Rain expected in the days ahead may increase slide dangers.
  • As part of the recovery process, ODOT will assess the long term slide threats along both I-84 and the Historic Columbia River Highway.

 

Changing Conditions

  • Roads will close again if fire conditions change and present renewed threats.