The Oregon Department of Transportation project to upgrade the single-lane tunnel under Interstate 84 between the eastbound and westbound Deadman Pass rest area is taking longer than anticipated.
The 94-foot-long culvert has been closed since the beginning of August and is expected to open to traffic by Sept. 9, a little over a week past the original planned completion date.
“We apologize for the inconvenience to travelers,” said Bridge Crew Manager Rich Lani. “Unforeseen delays in installing the culvert extensions and pouring concrete to connect the existing and new components have resulted in the longer completion schedule.”
During the culvert upgrade work the Deadman Pass rest areas located at freeway Exit 228 have remained open, with a portable variable message reader board advising of the tunnel closure. The reader boards will remain in place until the culvert is open again to the public.
Travelers needing access to the opposite freeway lanes will need to continue on I-84 to the next full interchange. Eastbound traffic can access the westbound freeway at Exit 234. Westbound traffic can access the eastbound freeway at Exit 224.
Project upgrades includes extending both ends of the culvert about 27 feet to address erosion issues along the edge of the freeway pavement above the tunnel.
