Old McKenzie Highway Spring ’18 Status

 

BEND – Following the Milli Fire of last year, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is managing visits to OR242, The Old McKenzie Highway, differently from years past.

This year, work crews are on the highway repairing serious damage on and adjacent to the highway from the devastating fire. This means that visitors are not allowed on the highway while crews are in the area repairing and restoring it.

          Generally, ODOT crews will have heavy equipment on the highway during the work week, Monday through Thursday. Signs are posted indicating “extreme danger” and “road closed” to warn potential visitors of the hazards along the highway.

          On weekend, crews are removing the warning signs to indicate that visiting is permitted.

          However visitors, including cyclists and pedestrians, must be aware that ODOT is not maintaining the highway for wheeled travel at this time, and visitors are on the highway at their own risk.

          ODOT intends to open the highway to motor vehicles on June 18th this year.