Summer’s coming - Old McKenzie Pass reopens

Highway crews have installed signs reminding motorists that cyclists have become more a part of the traffic mix on Hwy. 242.

MCKENZIE BRIDGE: The Old McKenzie Pass, which has been open to pedestrians and bicyclists - from milepost 8 to 28 - will officially open to all traffic at 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 16th. That’s about a week earlier than last year, when it reopened on June 21st.

The route annually closes due to winter snows. On May 1st, the route had been opened up for non-motoring traffic.

The Oregon Dept. of Transportation closed the highway for the winter on November 14th. This year’s reopening is over one month ahead of the latest ever, which occurred back on July 29th of 1999.

McKenzie River Reflections