TA section 2 - McKenzie Pass OR 242 closed indefinitely - Oct 2017

[DaveT]

Oregon 242 over McKenzie Pass is closed to through traffic due to the Milli fire west of Sisters. TransAm riders will need to follow the TA alternate route over Santiam Pass. Westbound at Belknap Springs continue on OR 126 to the US 20 junction, follow US 20 over Santiam Pass, rejoin the main route in Sisters.

There is no projection of when OR 242 may reopen. Current information:
https://www.tripcheck.com/
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5517/

There are multiple active fires in the Oregon Cascades, riders may encounter areas of smoke on US 20 and OR 126.

[DaveT]

Update Aug 30: OR 242 is still closed. See my new Aug 30 post regarding fire impacts on the US 20 alternate route.

[DaveT]

OR 242 is still closed. Updated the subject line from Aug to Sep.

[DaveT]

From a Sep 5 Oregon DOT news release:
ODOT Anticipates Indefinite Closure For OR242 Old McKenzie Highway
(Motorists, Bicyclists, and Hikers included)

BEND — Due to impacts to OR 242 from firefighting activities on the Milli Fire as well as wildfire weakened trees along the highway the Oregon Department of Transportation expects the closure that is currently in place on OR 242 to remain in effect for an indefinite period of time.
         While it is still too early to estimate the total extent of impact to the highway and adjacent forest, ODOT highway managers foresee an extended period of time to inspect and clear the highway and work with the Forest Service to ensure that it is safe for use.
          Until such time as ODOT can assure the safety of the many OR242 user groups, it will remain off limits to all.
 
 

[DaveT]

Update - ODOT said yesterday that they will be finishing up burned tree removal shortly but do not expect to open the road to bicyclists before it is closed by snow for the winter. Next spring's opening could be delayed if the burned areas experience landslides or mud flows.

[CMajernik]

McKenzie Pass road is still closed until further notice.   

From link:   "April 18th 2018: New update from ODOT, they have closed the road to all users! Because of the fire last year ODOT is still assessing and clearing danger trees, the state of the roadway and culverts. Work crews are on the highway with heavy equipment. Once they have completed their work bicyclist and pedestrians will be allowed at their own risk. The plan is to open the highway to cars and all users the third Monday in June, June 18th. No date at this time when crews will be done."

[vincenpe]

As of 4/27/18 the pass is open to hikers and cyclists from Friday through Sunday only.  On all other days the road is closed  For regular pass reports check out Eurosports' reports  http://www.eurosports.us/mckenzie_pass_update