Final Update I84 Traffic Diversion in Ontario OR - Huntington Fire Near Farewell Bend

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE - generated by our News Release ListServer
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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
District 3 Patrol 700 S. Stratford Dr., Meridian 83642
(208) 846-7550
Fax (208) 846-7520

For Immediate Release: 8/6/2015 at 1:13 a.m.
Please direct questions to the District Office

**** Final Update ****

Per the Oregon Department of Transportation, I84 is now open.

Below is the information received from ODOT PIO, Thomas Strandberg, in reference to this re-opening of I-84:

"I-84 Eastbound and Westbound freeways are now open in eastern Oregon between Pendleton (Exit 216) and Ontario (Exit 371). Travelers are reminded to drive with extra caution, don't speed and watch for crews near fire scene. Road closures are frustrating, but let's all get home safe. OR 245 south of Baker City, and OR 203 and 237 between La Grande and North Power are also now open for travel. OR 204 (Tollgate Hwy) open to local traffic, but due to the Phillips Creek Fire burning north of Elgin, through traffic motorist are advise to use alternate routes. Verify route status at TripCheck.com before heading out. Conditions may change at any time. Continue checking TripCheck.com for update highway conditions, (closures/delays), or call 511 / 800-977-6368. Outside Oregon call 503-588-2941."

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**** End Update ****


There is currently a large fire burning on I84, near Farewell Bend, OR. Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is diverting eastbound and westbound traffic through this area.

Below is information received from ODOT PIO, Thomas Strandberg, in reference to this situation:

"ODOT: East. Ore.: I-84 is closed Westbound at Exit 371 in Ontario and Eastbound at Exit 265 in La Grande due to a wildfire near MP 345 (near Huntington). Because Eastbound traffic stranded in Baker City is overflowing the truck stop and plugging side streets the Eastbound closure has been moved to La Grande. At this time there is no estimate for length of closure. Check TripCheck.com for update highway conditions or call 511 / 800-977-6368. Outside Oregon call 503-588-2941."

Idaho Transportation Department has activated area reader boards, as well as the Idaho Highway Advisory Radio System. The advisory system is comprised of signs along the side of the interstate with flashing beacons on top of them advising motorists of which radio station to tune in for updated highway information. (See attached photo for example of advisory sign.)



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