Travelers on U.S. 26 should plan for delays in multiple locations beginning May 11 due to tree removal and landslide repair work.
Warm Springs area
Travelers on U.S. 26 between the OR 216 junction and the Warm Springs area, mileposts 71 to 87, should plan for delays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, beginning May 11 and lasting through mid-June.
ODOT is working with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Fuel Management team to remove about 1,000 trees along the highway corridor. Many of these trees are dead, dying or at risk of falling onto the highway. This work improves safety and helps reduce wildfire risk.
Traffic impacts
- Flaggers will stop traffic in both directions for tree falling operations.
- Delays may be lengthy at times while crews safely bring down trees, clear debris and reopen the roadway.
- Some trees may fall onto the highway and require heavy equipment to remove, which can extend wait times.
- Portable message signs are in place to alert travelers.
Government Camp area
Plan extra travel time during the week of May 11 between Zigzag and Government Camp. Crews will repair winter landslide damage about two miles west of Government Camp. The work and lane closures will start about 5 a.m. each day and continue until about 6 p.m.
Crews will break up and remove large boulders, clean up other slide debris from the ditch and shoulder of the highway, repair damaged guardrail and restripe pavement.
Traffic impacts
- Only one lane will be open in a three-mile section, with both directions of traffic flagged through the eastbound lane.
Expect delays, plan extra travel time and watch for workers and equipment. Work is weather dependent and schedules may change.
