VENETA – Before a large section of OR 36 and OR 126W closed during one of Lane County's worst ice storms in years. Veneta’s Transportation Maintenance Coordinator Jake Jensen transformed a routine road safety check into a rescue mission.

Around 2:30 p.m. on January 13, Jensen was returning to Veneta after helping a coworker. While making his way on OR 36 he encountered blocked westbound lanes at the Knowles Creek Tunnel on OR 126W. Realizing that trapped vehicles needed assistance, Jensen forged ahead aware he was in it for the long haul.

Equipped with three power saws, extra chains, fuel and sheer determination, Jensen, joined by passengers from stranded vehicles, cleared dozens of fallen trees from Knowles Creek Tunnel towards Veneta. Fighting extreme fatigue, 18-degree temperatures, freezing rain and darkness, they worked tirelessly to cut a path just wide enough to drive through.

“The frozen trees dulled the chains," Jensen said. "I had to rotate my saws, placing them inside the cab of my truck to keep them from freezing up. I went through six sets of bar chains. At one point, I made the decision to turn off my high beams because I could see how many more trees were in our path. I needed to focus on one tree at a time.”

Despite a tree striking Jensen’s work truck, damaging only the Variable Message Sign and rack, he persisted, leading the convoy of cars behind him.

“As quickly as we were clearing trees in front of us, we could hear trees falling behind and all around us,” Jensen added. At one point, he met three vehicles trying to head west towards Florence. He swiftly turned them around before continuing east.

Over the next six and a half hours, Jensen faced ice-covered trees falling faster than they could be cleared, providing continuous updates to dispatch on the radio. Colleagues dropped what they were doing to help, with Veneta and Glenwood crews working together to clear the path.

Against the odds, the crews turned what started as a road safety check into a rescue mission for over a dozen vehicles and numerous passengers. They made it back to Veneta around 9 p.m., after ensuring the safety of all stranded individuals.

Jensen, a 17-year employee, exemplified determination, quick action, and a get-it-done attitude, transforming a dangerous situation into a remarkable display of community and resilience. We commend Jensen and all involved crews for their dedication to public safety.

About the photos: Image of Jensen's work truck after a tree fell across damaging the Variable Message Sign and rack. Image of downed trees on OR 126W after Jensen's ordeal. Image of Jake Jensen. To see more pictures of this winter event from across Oregon, see our January 2024 Flickr album.