The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced Tuesday afternoon that Interstate 84 is closed between Troutdale at milepost 17 and Hood River at milepost 64 due to an incoming ice storm.
“Ice accumulation creates some of the most treacherous driving conditions, and the Interstate is being closed to keep everyone safe,” ODOT said in a press release. “We will reopen when conditions improve.”
ODOT issued the following advice to motorists:
Avoid travel in this area. For those already on the road, this is a good time to stop where you are. Don’t drive all the way to the closure points before stopping. Parking areas and resources at the closure points can fill quickly.
Solid ice is challenging to combat, and many of our tools don’t work well in these conditions. Liquid deicer and salt are diluted, and sand is quickly buried. That being said, our crews will continue to work this closed stretch of highway throughout the storm to keep it in the best shape possible and ready to open when it’s safe.
Remember that many other roads throughout the Gorge, the Portland area and the Willamette Valley could also see ice accumulating on roads. We urge people to delay travel in the areas where the ice hits. If you must go out, have chains and know how to use them. Be prepared to encounter delays or closures as downed trees and powerlines are common in these types of storms.
For the latest state highway information and to see current closures, visit Tripcheck.com. For the latest weather, visit the National Weather Service website.
