A 45-mile stretch of Interstate 84 in Oregon will remain closed on Thursday due to dangerous weather.
On Tuesday, January 17th, I-84 between Troutdale to Hood River (mile post 17 to 62) was closed due to icy conditions and was expected to reopen the following day. However worsening conditions have prevented the reopening.
On Thursday morning, the Oregon Dept. of Transportation announced that it would remain closed for a third day.
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
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
Snowdrifts on I-84 are unpredictable. Trees still coming down, dangerous even for our experienced crews. Stay warm out there. pic.twitter.com/rtTnoCFZAc
— Oregon DOT (@OregonDOT) January 18, 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
Storms in the area have caused numerous wrecks and have forced drivers to shut down for days. Truck stops in the area are full and Oregon police have been towing semi trucks parked along ramps near the closure, News 10 reported.
“They just towed me out because they want to clear the road but I don’t think I-84 is back open,” said trucker Brad Cottle, who spent the night in his truck. “I’m going to have to go back to the truck stop.”