Update on Oregon's Storm Battered Highway System

While a number of highways remain closed, several have reopened.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Slides, fallen trees and high water have closed or are partially blocking several highways in Oregon at this time. Even though the worst is over, drivers still have to be extremely careful and avoid several areas in the state.

These closures include Interstate 5 in Washington State from mileposts 68 to 88, in the Chehalis and Centralia areas, due to floodwaters from the Chehalis River. Washington state officials say motorists will not be able to travel I-5 between Portland and Seattle for at least the next few days.

U.S. 26, the Sunset Highway, is closed from Staley's Junction, milepost 47, at the junction with Oregon 47, to milepost 2 at Seaside. This is over downed trees and a sunken grade that blocks the highway two miles west of the Dennis L. Edwards Tunnel near milepost 39.

Oregon 38, the Umpqua Highway, is closed from Reedsport to Elkton due to a landslide. Crews estimate that area reopening to motorists by Saturday.

Oregon 47 is closed just south of U.S. 30, north of Vernonia, due to high water. The Willamette Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross is in the process of bringing relief supplies to residents there.

Oregon 53 is closed due to downed trees.

Oregon 131 is closed due to downed trees.

Oregon 153 is closed from mile post 4 – 5 due to high water.

Oregon 202 is closed due to fallen trees and power lines

Several Highways Reopened

Oregon 99W is open, but travelers should expect delays in a number of areas, including just south of Oregon 10 at milepost 3.2, where the right most southbound lane is closed due to a slide. Also expect intermittent delays in areas where water may be on the roadway.

Other openings include U.S. 30 and the Lower Columbia River Highway, but motorists should expect delays.

U.S. 101, the Oregon Coast Highway is now opene, as well as Oregon 18, the coastal route leading into Lincoln City.

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Oregon 34 is open, but expect delays near mile post 16, east of Waldport. One way traffic is being controlled by flaggers because of a slide undermining the roadway.

Oregon 35 has been opened.

Oregon 223 is open but be aware of water over the roadway in several locations.

Oregon 229 only one lane is open, expect delays due to downed trees.

Oregon 240 is open, but expect delays from mileposts 1 to 8 due to high water.