Travelers using Highway 26 between Warm Springs and Mount Hood this weekend should be prepared for their final round of delays. The joint Oregon Department of Transportation and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs hazard tree removal project is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, June 15.
What's Been Happening
ODOT and the Tribes have been removing more than 1,000 hazardous trees along the highway corridor — work that was prompted by concerns over tree mortality from insects and drought, as well as at least one fatal incident involving falling trees on the roadway.
Delays of 20 minutes or more have been in effect since mid-May. Work crews use flaggers to stop traffic in both directions while trees are felled, with some trees falling directly onto the highway surface and requiring heavy equipment to clear.
Weekend Schedule
Work is scheduled Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. That means this weekend — Saturday and Sunday — should see reduced activity. However, travelers are advised to allow extra time through Sunday as the project officially closes out.
Starting Monday, June 16, drivers should be able to return to normal travel times on this section of U.S. 26 — a key corridor used by Jefferson County and Warm Springs residents traveling to Portland, Hood River, and points west.
Looking Ahead
ODOT has previously announced it is studying longer-term upgrades to Highway 97 through Madras. Ongoing maintenance work along Highway 26 is part of a broader effort to address aging infrastructure and safety conditions on Central Oregon's major travel routes.
For current road conditions, visit tripcheck.com or call 511.