DIAMOND LAKE – Oregon 138 East (North Umpqua Highway) and Oregon 62 (Crater Lake Highway) are now open. Sections of the two southern Oregon highways had been closed since Sunday due to heavy snow and falling trees. Motorists visiting the High Cascades should prepare for possible delays, short-term closures and winter driving conditions. Oregon 230, a key route between the Rogue Valley and the Bend, remains closed due to heavy snow and downed trees. Cleanup worked through the weekend. Workers must remove trees and debris from the snow berm before the blowers can widen the highway for travel. “We’re glad to get the area back open. We hate to close highways but sometimes winter forces our hand,” said ODOT District Manager Jerry Marmon. “Crews worked tirelessly every day, only to be pushed back by more snow, hazardous high winds and falling trees.” Visitors to the Cascades should visit Tripcheck.com before they go and be ready for winter driving conditions. Motorists should also: Be prepared for delays and allow extra time to get to your destination; Let someone know your destination and when you’ll arrive or be back; Have chains and know how to put them on, and Make sure you have water, snacks and blankets.
