US Highway 20 near Santiam Pass reopens after two accidents amid blizzard conditions

Zach Urness, Salem Statesman Journal
·1 min read
5
A major delay on Highway 20 at Santiam Pass after an accident.
A major delay on Highway 20 at Santiam Pass after an accident.

Update at 2:40 p.m.

U.S. Highway 20 over Santiam Pass has reopened following multiple crashes but conditions remain hazardous as a blizzard hits Oregon's mountain passes, bringing heavy snow and strong winds.

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ORIGINAL STORY

A crash on Tuesday morning closed both lanes of U.S. Highway 20 over Santiam Pass, and then a disabled vehicle closed the road again later in the afternoon, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.

ODOT said the initial crash was at milepost 77, located about four miles west of Santiam Pass Summit, and included both west and east lanes.

After a brief reopening, U.S. Highway 20 was closed again by a disabled vehicle at milepost 78 near Santiam Pass.

"A disabled vehicle is creating a hazard, and has closed the road," the Oregon Department of Transportation reported. "Use an alternate route."

A crash has closed Highway 20 over Santiam Pass.
A crash has closed Highway 20 over Santiam Pass.

The highway is being hit by heavy snow and high winds.

A winter weather warning is in place for Oregon's mountain passes, including Santiam Pass, for upwards of one to two feet of snow and extremely high winds.

"Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility," the National Weather Service said.

See the latest status of all of Oregon's highways at TripCheck.com.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: US Highway 20 near Santiam Pass reopens