West side of McKenzie Pass closing Friday

An incoming storm system means crews will close the west side of the Old McKenzie Pass, OR 242, this coming Friday, Oct. 25.

Crews will close the gates on the west side of the pass near the junction with OR 126 and also the gates near the summit at Dee Wright Observatory on Friday morning. Gates on the east side are expected to stay open a bit longer, with the latest possible closing date scheduled for Nov. 7. Weather on each side of the pass varies, and it's not uncommon to close or open each side of the highway separately.

The Old McKenzie Pass is a secondary, scenic highway. The Oregon Dept. of Transportation says weather, costs and logistics make it impractical to maintain for travel year-round. In the winter, we focus our staff and resources on main highways to keep them plowed, open and safe.

When the highway is closed, it is closed to all users and is not maintained. Travelers going past locked gates and closure signs could encounter hazards and working equipment on the road, and there are no services or cell coverage.

Every year, the Old McKenzie Pass opens and closes with the seasons. Dates vary depending on road and weather conditions.

The Old McKenzie Pass became a seasonal scenic highway in 1962 with the completion of the Clear Lake Cutoff section of Oregon 126. Even during its time as the main route between the Willamette Valley and Central Oregon, the narrow, twisting roadway and high elevation (5,325 feet) made the highway too difficult to maintain and keep clear during the winter months.

To see what routes are open over the mountains, and to view current road and weather conditions visit TripCheck.com or call 511.