Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Project-Details







McKenzie Highway Pavement Preservation

Construction Phase

Region 4: Central Oregon (Sisters, Deschutes, Lane)


​​​​​​​​​Pavement Preservation Project along McKe​​nzie Highway (OR 242)


Construction Banner

Impacts

Traffic Impact

June 17 update: Construction crews are hard at work on the east side of McKenzie Pass and plan to have the highway above the gate paved and open by the morning of July 4. Paving above the gate is underway. 

Only the east side of the pass is under construction, but the west side will also remain closed at the gate just beyond Linton Lake until July 4. Limited space for vehicles to turn around on the west side makes it unsafe to open any further towards the summit.

Once the freshly paved pass opens above the gate, there will still be some construction work happening. Tasks like striping, putting up signage and clean-up may cause minor delays.

Paving on the east side section of highway below the gate will continue through July and could also cause some delays. Unlike the upper highway, this section is wide enough to accommodate traffic and construction equipment with single lane closures and flaggers. ​

Travelers will also encounter shoulder closures on U.S. 20 in Sisters to allow crews to work on the sidewalk and excavation throughout Summer 2024.  ​​

​We realize this project will impact many recreational plans for early spring, the reality is the road must be maintained for it to be used by anyone. Please check Tripcheck.com for the most up to date info on highway closures. There is always the possibility that extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances could delay the opening of the pass past July 4.​​


Schedule

Design Complete: April 2023

Bid: Winter 2023

Construction: March 2024 - December 2024

Details

About

​This project will improve access to federal recreation areas in the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests, including destinations in the Mount Washington Wilderness Area, Three Sisters Wilderness Area, and along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

The project will improve conditions for drivers and cyclists by resurfacing the roadway between Dee Wright Observatory and U.​S. 20, rebuilding shoulders and bike lanes where they are degraded or substandard, removing safety hazards adjacent to travel lanes, updating ADA curb ramps as necessary, and replacing or repairing signs and warning systems throughout the corridor. The project also includes the installation of accessible bathrooms at Cold Springs Campground and Picnic Site and at Dee Wright Observatory, bicycle parking at Dee Wright Observatory, and pullouts and interpretive panels throughout the corridor.

After a long winter, we know everyone is anxious to head out and start recreating along this highway. Remember that when this road is closed, it is closed to everyone. This is especially important to remember this year as crews work behind the closed gates of OR 242 to make this route smoother and safer for everyone. Do not pass the closed gates, and never enter a work zone. Since crews will be working in a closed area, they may work any day of the week and heavy equipment will be on the road through the duration of the project.

McKenzie Highway.png

Location

OR 242 |

MP 77.30- MP 92.22/Z92.03

Cost and Funding

Budget: $4.1 Mil​lion​ 

Contractor

​Kn​ife River

Contacts & Media

Project Contacts

Assistant Resident Engineer
Michael Kinion, P.E.
Email
BendConstruction@odot.oregon.gov

Community Affairs
Meghan Blyth
Email
meghan.l.blyth@odot.oregon.gov
Phone
541-316-3941
Public Comment Form
Submit a commentfor project

Last Updated

6/20/2024 4:28 PM

Project Number

22225

Project Documents

Related documents to this project
22225 Mckenzie PIP.pdfProject Information Paper (PIP) updated 6/7/2022