With spring rapidly approaching, we are in the transition time, when the FS 39 Road is still closed due to snow, while the Oregon Department of Transportation is announcing their construction season plans! This can be seen as an indication of the wide range of elevations and landforms traversed by the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. And that also means it is one of the most scenic trips in Oregon. Please read the following two press releases and be careful while traveling through our gorgeous corner of Oregon!
From Wallowa-Whitman National Forest: Wallowa Mountain Loop not currently open to wheeled vehicles for public safety
More information: Peter Fargo, Public Affairs Officer, 541-519-2809 or peter.fargo@usda.gov
BAKER CITY, OR (March 12, 2021)__This winter, local authorities have assisted with multiple search and rescue efforts along the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road after cars and trucks became stuck in the snow. To reduce this risk, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is reminding drivers that actively groomed snowmobile routes are not legal for wheeled vehicle travel under Oregon law (ORS 821.295). This applies to the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road between Highway 86 junction near Halfway and the Salt Creek Summit Snow Park near Joseph. The law also applies to the 39 Road from its intersection with the Imnaha River Road just south of the Imnaha Fish Weir.
The Wallowa Mountain Loop Road, also known as the 39 Road or North Pine Road, passes through the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. It is a groomed snowmobile route during the winter and will remain open to snowmobiles and individuals accessing private property. Reflective barricades are in place on the south end of the road to deter wheeled vehicles from driving onto the groomed snowmobile route. While the barricades are painted bright orange and reflective, all vehicle operators are advised to avoid a collision by noting the location of the barriers and nearby landmarks. Please be extra cautious in low-light conditions.
“We plan to accommodate spring recreators and hunters by moving the barricades up the mountain as the snow recedes,” said Dan Story, Whitman District Road Engineer. “This is a popular destination during all seasons, and especially for summer motorists, so we will be removing the barricades as soon as we can clear the road of down trees, boulders, and other obstacles.”
Mountain driving always has its risks. Snow-covered roads may appear drivable until the vehicle reaches an obstacle, such as a tree or snow drift, and the driver is forced to stop, reverse, or turn around. Many vehicles become stuck when the driver attempts to turn around and loses traction in the softer margins of the road. Also, many on-board navigation systems are not up to date with seasonal conditions, especially in remote and rural areas. Across the western US, there is a growing trend of these devices directing drivers to take backcountry routes that are not passable in winter. It is best to check local information sources and know before you go.
Tips for a safer mountain driving experience during the winter and early spring:
- Use snow tires or chains as snow, ice, and water can create dangerously slippery roads.
- Be prepared to spend the night in your vehicle.
- Bring extra layers, handwarmers, sleeping bags, food, water, flashlights, extra batteries, and a kit to start a fire if necessary.
- Bring a satellite-based phone or emergency beacon in case you are out of cell range.
- Most importantly, make a plan and tell somebody else where you are going, your travel route, when you plan to return, and when you will check back in with them.
- Expect snowpack conditions to change as roads change in elevation and know that conditions at high elevations may remain impassable into July. Barricades are still in place at the junction of the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road and Highway 86 near Halfway, Oregon.
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From ODOT: Bridge repair work starts near Elgin March 29; Plan for delays
More information: Tom Strandberg, 541-663-6261 or thomas.m.strandberg@odot.state.or.us
ELGIN, OR (March 18, 2021)__Starting March 29, the Oregon Department of Transportation will be repairing the Grande Ronde River (South Elgin) Bridge along OR 82. The structure is located at milepost 19.2, less than a mile southwest of Elgin. Traffic impacts starting April 1 will include single lane travel across the bridge with traffic controlled by flaggers for the first day or two, as crews install temporary barriers down the middle of the bridge and temporary traffic signals at both ends of the bridge. Expect up to 20-minute delays.
Once the traffic signals are operational, wait times will be shorter, depending on traffic volumes. The temporary signals, lane closures and construction delays will continue 24/7 through the summer months.
Please be patient and plan extra travel time along this route. Obey flaggers and traffic signals at all times to keep everyone safe. Construction crews are working to repair deteriorating bridge conditions and improve safety for motorist, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Work includes removing and replacing the existing concrete overlay and bridge rail, and replacing the deck joints. All work is scheduled to be completed and lane restrictions removed by July15, 2021. Remember, traffic fines double in work zones.
We greatly appreciate your support and patience for this and all highway construction projects.
For more information check out the OR 82: Grande Ronde (South Elgin) Bridge Repairs project information page at www.tinyurl.com/odot5 .
