EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) – An incoming storm system has crews closing the west side of McKenzie Pass, Oregon Highway 242, this coming Friday, ODOT reported.
Crews will close the gates on the west side of the pass near the junction with Oregon Highway 126 and also the gates near the summit at Dee Wright Observatory on Friday morning. Gates on the east side are expected to stay open a bit longer, with the latest possible closing date being Nov. 7.
Weather on each side of the pass varies, and it’s not uncommon to close or open each side of the highway separately.
McKenzie Pass is a secondary, scenic highway. Weather, costs and logistics make it impractical to maintain for travel year-round. In the winter, we focus our staff and resources on main highways to keep them plowed, open and safe.
When the highway is closed, it is closed to all users and is not maintained. Travelers going past locked gates and closure signs could encounter hazards and working equipment on the road, and there are no services or cell coverage.