The Oregon Department of Transportation crews will barricade portions of OR 22 North Santiam Highway and OR 226 Albany-Lyons Highway by 9 a.m Monday. This is to ensure public safety and prioritize travel for emergency responders.
The barricades will be in place until further notice. Flaggers and law enforcement will screen those requesting entry. Firefighters, law enforcement officials, and utility companies need access to the highway and will be allowed past the barricades to help with fire response.
Barricades will be in place at:
- OR 22 and the intersection of OR 226
- OR 22 and Jennie Road
- OR 22 at U.S. 20
- OR 22 at Gates Hill Road
Closures will also be in effect at:
- OR 226 at Mehama Bridge
- OR 226 at W. McCully Mountain Road
With wildfires still burning in much of the state, smoke and fog have greatly reduced visibility. And with rain in the Willamette Valley weather forecast this week, traveling could be even more dangerous. Trees and rocks are unstable or have fallen on the road. Unstable hillsides could bring more debris down or cause landslides.
ODOT continues assessing damage to the highway, but guardrail, pavement and signs have all been damaged. A significant number of hazard trees will need to be assessed and removed before the highway is safe to open to the public.
ODOT recommends people avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. Remember to check conditions if you must head out.
If you encounter heavy smoke while driving, remember to slow down, turn on your headlights, use your fog lights if you have them, and give other drivers plenty of space. Remember to never stop in a travel lane and if you must pull over pull off the road as far as possible.
