To help reduce the number of freeway closure due to trucks spinning out or crashing the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will perform chain inspections for eastbound traffic at the Interstate 84 Exit 224 Poverty Flat Interchange.
Several variable message reader boards near Pendleton, at the bottom of Cabbage Hill and closer to the inspection site will advise travelers of the checkpoint. Those signs will direct vehicles that are towing, or over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight to exit the freeway for a mandatory chain inspection when chains are required in snow zones between Pendleton and La Grande.
“We have experienced a number of extended freeway closures in the past two months due to commercial trucks not chaining up when required,” said ODOT District 12 Manager Marilyn Holt.
At the inspection site, be prepared to show your chains and install them. If not, you will be turned around at the interchange and sent back toward Pendleton on the westbound freeway. Once you have completed the chain inspection, you will continue eastbound towards the chain up area where you will need to install your chains, then immediately continue east on the freeway in order to keep traffic flowing.
“We are doing this to help reduce the number of closures that have a huge impact on other travelers, commercial deliveries, and all emergency service providers and maintenance crews working in hazardous conditions to keep the freeways safe,” Holt said.
The inspections will also reduce congestion at chain-up areas caused by truck drivers who use these locations to park and wait for chain restrictions to be lifted. The chain areas provide a safe location for drivers to install chains, then move down the freeway to free up space for the next driver to chain up. Parking in chain areas for anything other than chaining is prohibited. Commercial vehicle operators who use the chain area for long-term parking are forcing other drivers to park on the shoulder to install chain. This endangers their lives, especially during winter conditions when roads are slick and visibility poor.
Motorists should be prepared for winter conditions along mountain passes and designated snow zones. Familiarize yourself with chain requirements and comply with state laws regarding carrying chains and installing them, or having proper traction tires on personal vehicles. The chain inspection operations will be expanded to other sites, as needed.
Drive with extra caution and check www.TripCheck.com for current road and weather conditions, chain requirements, winter driving tips and access to hundreds of roadside cameras throughout the state. You can also call 511, or 800-977-6368.
