Major Delays on U.S. 26 Near Warm Springs as Tree Removal Project Gets Underway

Commuters and travelers on U.S. 26 through the Warm Springs corridor are facing a new round of delays this week, and they could last through mid-June. The Oregon Department of Transportation launched a major tree removal project this week between the OR 216 junction and Warm Springs — a stretch covering mileposts 71 to 87 — in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

What to Expect on the Road

Crews are removing roughly 1,000 dead or dying trees from the highway corridor, a project that poses unusual hazards: some trees may fall directly onto the roadway, requiring heavy equipment to clear debris before traffic can proceed.

Work is scheduled Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Flaggers will stop traffic in both directions during active operations. ODOT warns that delays could be lengthy — particularly when a tree falls across the lane — so travelers should plan extra time or seek alternate routes when possible.

The project is expected to last through mid-June 2026, though ODOT notes all work is weather-dependent and schedules may shift if spring storms return.

Separate Project at Government Camp

U.S. 26 travelers heading toward the Portland area face additional delays further west, where crews are repairing winter landslide damage near Government Camp. That project — a three-mile single-lane stretch between Zigzag and Government Camp — runs daily from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. and involves blasting large boulders and repairing guardrails.

Tribes and ODOT Partnering on Safety

The Warm Springs tree removal work reflects an ongoing collaboration between ODOT and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to manage forest health and roadway safety along the highway. Dead and dying trees near roadways pose a significant public safety risk, especially as conditions dry out heading into fire season.

For real-time road conditions and delay information, travelers are encouraged to check TripCheck.com or call 511. Portable message signs along the corridor will also display current delay estimates.

If you must travel U.S. 26 through Warm Springs during work hours, allow extra time and watch carefully for flaggers and heavy equipment near the roadway.