ODOT release – Another round of freezing rain is forecast for Tuesday through Wednesday morning across northwest Oregon, so we hope you can endure another day or two of cabin fever. If you must travel Tuesday or Wednesday, carry tire chains, fuel, water and other supplies for a longer trip than usual – as well as possible closure of roads if conditions become unsafe. ODOT crews are still working to reopen highways impacted by ice and downed trees, as well as preparing for the next round of this storm. Portland and the Columbia River Gorge could get up to half an inch of ice Tuesday. ODOT is preparing to close Interstate 84 in the Columbia River Gorge before conditions become unsafe, before motorists become stranded by ice. Crews are watching conditions carefully and will close the highway between Troutdale and Hood River if needed. Although the backup on the northbound side of Interstate 5 south of Eugene has been clearing, the accumulated ice is continuing to make that 15-20-mile stretch very slow. Crews are again sanding that stretch of I-5 as well as other highways, but they are also seeing vehicles traveling too fast for conditions when traffic is light. Oregon State Police are increasing patrols south of Eugene to enforce speed and chain laws. OR 99 between Cottage Grove and Creswell remains closed in the Saginaw area due to downed trees. Many DMV offices closed today due to weather. Please check DMV online or call before going to a DMV office. Again, we are asking you to consider delaying your travel until later this week if possible. If you must travel, be prepared for conditions as difficult as the weekend. For the latest state highway information and to see current closures, visit Tripcheck.com. For the latest weather, visit the National Weather Service website. If you must travel Tuesday or Wednesday, be prepared: If you must travel, carry chains – even if you have traction tires or four-wheel-drive – plenty of fuel, snacks and blankets in case of delays. Some highways have reached the point where chains are required regardless of whether you have four-wheel-drive. Safety is our priority – for travelers and our road crews. If you decide to travel, plan extra time for your journey and carry emergency supplies. Delays and closures are happening statewide. Expect to encounter chain restrictions. Give snowplows and emergency crews extra space to do their work, and never pass a snowplow on the right. Our crews are working hard to clear roads, but their job becomes more difficult when disabled cars and trucks block traffic. With power lines down, traffic signals may be off-line. Treat traffic signals that aren’t working like a four-way stop. Never drive over downed power lines.
