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Welcome

ODOT is working to improve safety along OR 224 by stabilizing rock slopes and removing hazardous trees.

Video: Welcome; 1 min 15 sec

Where do you want to go?

Why is ODOT doing this project?
Learn how ODOT is taking steps to reduce rockfall hazards along OR 224
How ODOT is working to preserve the scenic quality and character of OR 244.
Learn about the construction schedule and how construction will impact travellers.
Get the latest project information and construction updates.

Project Overview

Project Goal: Stabilize rock slopes and remove hazardous trees along OR 224 between Mileposts 32 and 36.

Project Area

Design is underway on a project to address rockfall hazards east of Estacada along OR 224 between mileposts 32 and 36. Construction is anticipated to take place during the fall of 2015.

The 36 Pit Fire occurred in the Mt. Hood National Forest in September 2014 and affected the slopes and trees along OR 224. The affected trees and slopes have resulted in increased rockfalls, debris flows risks, and hazardous treefall onto OR 224. The increased hazards closed a seven mile stretch of OR 224 east of Promontory Park.

Reducing Rockfall Hazards

ODOT is taking steps to reduce rockfall hazards.

Video: Reducing Rockfall Hazards; 1 min 16 sec

Problem

Steep rock cliffs throughout this area are a source of rockfall debris onto the highway. In addition, burned timber above the cliffs could topple onto the cliff face resulting in rockfall and tree debris landing on the highway. Burned timber could also fall and block naturally occuring slope drainages which could result in debris flows onto the highway.

Solution

  • Prevent rocks from falling onto OR 224 by removing loose rocks from the slopes and using fences and barriers.
  • Remove hazardous trees that are in immediate danger of falling into the roadway or blocking drainages.

Approach

  • Attenuator fences and gabion barriers can prevent rocks from sliding into the roadway.
  • Manually removing rocks from the slope can prevent them from falling uncontrollably.
  • Hazardous trees will be removed in late summer/early fall 2015.

Environmental Considerations

Preserving the scenic quality and character of OR 244 is a priority for ODOT.

Video: Environmental Considerations; 34 sec

During construction our environmental experts will be on site to make sure we are protecting and preserving the environmental, cultural and scenic resources and not affecting the nearby wilderness. We are also working closely with our regulatory partners and the U.S. Forest Service.

Construction Impacts

ODOT will work to keep people moving. People will still be able reach their destinations, but construction will mean some short‐term delays.

Video: Construction Impacts; 50 sec

Schedule

Tree Removal

  • Late summer/fall 2015

Rockfall Improvements

  • Construction begins winter 2015
  • Completion spring 2016

Construction Impacts

Travellers should plan on delays as they travel through the work area. Here is how construction will affect travel:

  • Up to 20 minute delays
  • Flaggers will direct travelers
  • Intermittent traffic stops
  • Shifted travel lanes
  • Lane closures

More information will be available in the summer of 2015.

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Video: Thank You; 32 sec

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This web site was developed by JLA Public Involvement and is not hosted by the Oregon Department of Transportation, though we adhere to the same accessibility guidelines. If you have any problems with the information on this page, please contact technical support, (503) 235-5881 for assistance.