Plows still clearing Old McKenzie Pass

MCKENZIE BRIDGE: Depending on the weather, Oregon Dept. of Transportation crews plan to finish clearing snow off Hwy. 242 this week and then clean up debris like downed trees. The first snow gate at milepost 61.8 will open by the end of the day on April 21st to allow fishing at Linton Lake for the high lakes season. Officials estimate the second gate at milepost 66 will remain closed until June 20th.  Clearing is beginning on the west side as well.

In the interim, some people will be able to use the route. “ODOT reminds bicyclists and hikers who access the Pass during the seasonal closure do so at their own risk and are cautioned to be aware of the inclement conditions,” according to ODOT public information officer Angela Beers Seydel.  “Safety precautions for early users include plowing operations that may occur at any time of the week, road conditions can be icy, running water, rocks, tree debris and other hazards on the roadway, ride under control, watch for other bikers/hikers, closed gates, parked equipment, etc.”

People can sign up for email updates at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORDOT/subscriber/new.

Image Courtesy ODOT: Workerss had cleared and swept from the gate at milepost 61.8 to the second gate at milepost 66 on April 12th. The first gate at milepost 61.8 will remained closed until April 21st. The east side crews have reached the summit and are continuing to clear heading west, while the west side crews head east.