Severe winter weather conditions forced hundreds of miles of road closures in Oregon, leaving many truck drivers to sit and wait for the weather to take a turn for the better.
Here’s another reason I-84 Troutdale-Hood River is closed – it’s impossible to navigate safely. Snow sliding over walls, onto road, too. pic.twitter.com/0CZvuYQ9n4
— Oregon DOT (@OregonDOT) January 18, 2017
The I-84 road closures began on Tuesday. A forty-five mile stretch of I-84 has been closed between Troutdale and Hood River. I-84 was also closed for winter weather between Ontario and Boardman, leaving hundreds of trucker stranded in Ontario.
Nearby truck stops and rest areas are full, so many truckers were forced to park on ramps or side streets to wait out the weather.
Oregon police have announced that they will tow any unattended semis near Troutdale.
Truckers and Oregon transportation officials were hopeful that I-84 would reopen sometime this morning, but a grim weather forecast may keep drivers grounded for some time.
The Oregon Department of Transportation announced this morning that I-84 would remain closed all day today.
Word just in from Maintenance crews: I-84, Troutdale-Hood River to remain closed through the day. Drifts, downed wires & trees, thick ice. pic.twitter.com/1UndwWQ4cG
— Oregon DOT (@OregonDOT) January 19, 2017
I-84 Troutdale to Ontario still experiencing winter weather. OSP responding to continous crashes. Please #knowbeforeyougo pic.twitter.com/snhQr91aid
— Oregon State Police (@ORStatePolice) January 18, 2017
Sources:
KBOI 2
KXL
KPTV
Oregon Live