I-84 westbound freeway is now open in eastern Oregon. Good coordination with all responding crews, including law enforcement, fire stations, emergency responders, ODOT and over a half-dozen tow companies helped clear the route enough to open the freeway several hours ahead of earlier estimates. Disabled vehicles were moved off the roadway, with some being staged at the nearby truck weigh station and rest area.
“Outstanding response from our tow companies and all who responded, including law enforcement and EMS,” said ODOT District 12 Manager Marilyn Holt. “They got everyone out fast, which made clearing the scene go well.”
Much more work is needed and travelers should expect reduced speeds, crews working near the roadway, lane restrictions near the crash site, and winter conditions along the route. Drive with extra caution.
Restrictions on OR 204 (Tollgate Hwy.) and OR 245 have been lifted. The eastbound freeway was open around midnight.
Conditions can change quickly. Continue checking TripCheck.com for current highway status, or call 511 / 800-977-6368. Outside Oregon, call 503-588-2941.
-0-
Three busloads of stranded motorists were transported from the crash site earlier Monday and most drivable passenger vehicles have been routed to Pendleton or La Grande, along with a few semis. Several dozen crashed semis and passenger vehicles remained on the freeway, as well as several dozen blocked semis with drivers remaining on site, waiting to get unblocked.
Westbound travelers stranded in Ontario are encouraged to stay there until the freeway opens today. If you feel you must travel, U.S. 20 is the recommended alternate route when I-84 is closed for long periods. It is also in better condition (minimal snow) than U.S. 26 or other state routes in the area. Be aware that U.S. 20 already has heavy truck traffic and there are many curves and few safe passing opportunities. Please take it slow and do not attempt to pass.
Avoid following GPS navigation app or devices, as they can lead you onto remote routes with little or no winter maintenance. If you travel, stay on state highways and expect winter conditions and heavier than normal traffic.
Conditions can change quickly. Continue checking TripCheck.com for update conditions or call 511 / 800-977-6368. Outside Oregon, call 503-588-2941.
On February 21, 2022, at approximately 12:20 P.M., OSP was notified of a motor vehicle crash on Interstate 84 westbound between milepost 229 and 230 involving numerous motor vehicles. Responding officers were notified of additional crashes while they were arriving, and then once on scene, officers could hear crashes occurring behind them.
Initial scene response revealed multiple motor vehicle crashes along an approximately one-mile-long stretch of the road involving passenger cars and commercial motor vehicles. The largest crash is estimated to involve between 15-20 cars and trucks. Early estimation is that as many as 98 vehicles have crashed in the area.
Emergency medical responders from the surrounding areas have dispatched medical and fire personnel to the scene and are actively treating and transporting patients. The total number of the injured person cannot be determined at this time.
The Umatilla County Emergency Operations Center has been activated for this incident.
Uninjured persons who cannot otherwise drive from the scene due to blockage or damaged vehicles are being transported to the Pendleton Convention Center at 1601 Westgate, Pendleton Oregon 97801. Emergency Responders are asking that only persons needing to pick up family members come to that location.
Several agencies are working together to coordinate this large-scale incident.
Oregon State Police
Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office
Umatilla County Emergency Management
Pendleton Fire
Umatilla County Fire District One
Pilot Rock Fire
East Umatilla County Fire and Rescue
CTUIR Fire and Ambulance
CTUIR Emergency Management
La Grande Fire and Ambulance
Oregon Department of Transportation
Additional medic units from Union and Walla Walla County
