High water and road damage closed Interstate 84 in both directions Friday Feb. 7 between Exits 182 and 188. Crews worked through the night and opened one lane in each direction late Sunday night, Feb. 9.
Weather is expected be cool and dry with no new flood threats following days of high waters that led to one fatality, dozens of evacuations and road closures.
A county website has been set up for homeowners, renters and businesses to report damage to their property. This information will be used by the county to capture impacts of the flood to request support from the state and federal government.
Since flooding started last week, the Oregon Army National Guard used helicopters to rescue 54 people, 10 dogs, one cat and one rabbit stranded by the flood.
One woman was killed when high water swept through her property near the Bar M Ranch, the only reported fatality in the flooding.
High water and road damage closed Interstate 84 in both directions Friday, Feb. 7 between Exits 182 and 188. Crews worked through the night and opened one lane in each direction late Sunday night, Feb. 9.
The search and rescue operation will transition to an assessment process to determine the extent of the damage. Umatilla County crews will evaluate roads and the damage to county equipment. One westbound and one eastbound lane of Interstate 84 reopened Sunday evening east of Interstate 82 after the route was closed because of high water and road damage. I-84 travelers can now continue on the freeway between Exits 182 and 188 (no detour off I-84). The Oregon Department of Transportation will continue working on I-84 but there is no timeline for reopening the second eastbound and westbound lanes.
The speed limit is set at 45 mph because of remaining road damage and because crews continue to work on emergency repairs.
No time limit has been set for opening the second westbound and eastbound lanes. Motorists are reminded to slow down and watch for work crews. Check TripCheck.com for updates or call 511 / 800-977-6368. Outside Oregon call 503-588-2941.
ODOT will continue to inspect and repair roads and structures and assess potential damage.
OR 204, the Tollgate Highway, remains closed between milepost 26.7, Andes Prairie, and 37.4 at Summerville Road. Umatilla County crews will inspect and assess damage to Walla Walla River Road and Mill Creek Road.
What Happens Next?
Crews will continue recovery efforts throughout the area, including damage assessment and planning/constructing repairs. ODOT will announce updates regarding opening the second eastbound and westbound lanes of I-84 and the closed section of OR 204.
