Umatilla National Forest

Umatilla National Forest
2517 S.W. Hailey Avenue
Pendleton, OR 97801

541-278-3716

Temporary Road Closures or Delays

Forest Activites Close or Delay Traffic on Several Main and Secondary Travel Routes

A number of projects taking place on the Umatilla National Forest, will close access or delay traffic on several main travel routes this summer,” announced Joe Neer, Forest Operations Engineer. Travelers should be aware of the closures or delays and plan their trip accordingly.

Much of the work to be done involves replacing existing culverts that pose fish passage barriers for native species of fish with open bottom arch culverts that allow for fish passage and improve access to rearing and spawning habitat. Other projects include curve realignment of a pved road and fuels reduction work.

Forest roads affected by construction operations include:

Forest Road 3974 (Brush Creek Road) Open but expect delays up to 30 minutes. Travelers on Forest Road 3974 can expect to encounter delays as contractors conduct fuels reduction operations along the roadside and in the area. This stewardship project was funded by Grant County through a Title II – Secure Rural Schools Act grant. For more information on this project, please contact the North Fork John Day Ranger District at (541) 427-3231.

Forest road 53 (Western Route Road) Open but expect delays through mid October.
This paved route connects the towns of Heppner, Oregon, and Ukiah, Oregon. High Desert Aggregate and Paving, based out of Redmond, OR will realign a curve at milepost 19.5, to increase sight distance and improve travel safety. Though the road will remain open during construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane causing delays of up to 30 minutes. Travelers can take an alternative, unpaved route using Forest Road 5326, Morrow County Road 798 and Shaw Grade to bypass the construction. Work will begin July 19, and is expected to continue through mid August. For more information on this project, please contact the Heppner Ranger District at (541) 676-9187.