12/24/22 at 2:23 pm: From ODOT
Interstate 84 is now open in the Columbia River Gorge from Troutdale to Hood River. At a higher elevation and hidden in the forest, Old Highway 30 remains closed. This highway will take longer to clear and reopen as crews focus on the interstate.
Travelers across much of the state can expect challenging road conditions into next week. Spots of ice and snow remain on most highways, and warming temperatures mean that standing water could hide spots of ice.
Since Thursday, snow, ice and high winds ravaged the Gorge. Crews reported one to two inches of solid ice coating every surface, 10-foot-tall snow drifts, and winds that reached 80 mph. Even our chained-up trucks struggled to keep traction on the slick roads.
Though the highway was closed, crews worked around the clock to apply salt and sand. Teams also plowed in an attempt to keep the ice and snow from accumulating.
Many routes across the northwest are still feeling impacts of the storm. Tripcheck.com is up to date with closures, traffic and road conditions around the state.
Take a look at these videos from our crews on the road during the storm:
I-84 near the closure point in Troutdale
Crews battle the snow and ice inside the I-84 closure
Snow and ice flowing like water
12/23/22 at 4:38 pm: From ODOT
Interstate 84 remains closed on Friday in the Columbia River Gorge from Troutdale to Hood River with no re-opening in sight while the current storm runs its course. We will open the highway when it’s safe, but the storm is expected to last into Saturday.
A dangerous combination of snow, ice and high wind has created conditions unsafe for even the most experienced travelers, and the dangers reach way beyond the Gorge.
Many routes across the northwest are feeling the impact of the storm and have seen closures in the last 24 hours. Tripcheck.com is up-to-date with all current closures and traffic impacts around the state.
Truck parking is quickly filling along I-84 in Hood River, The Dalles, and Biggs Junction. We encourage drivers to delay their trip or wait out the closure from their current location and not continue on to the hard closure points. Parking on the interstate is not an option once designated lots are full. Blocking lanes of travel creates a hazard and strands people in areas with no services.
Our crews are working around the clock tending to the roads, but there is no single tool in our toolbox that can defeat the challenge presented by ice. We encourage everyone to delay travel until the storm is over.
Take a look at these videos of current conditions from our crews on the road:
I-84 near the closure point in Troutdale
Crews battle the snow and ice inside the I-84 closure
Snow and ice flowing like water
Parking is nearly full for trucks in Hood River waiting out the storm.