ODOT’s advance maintenance efforts helped reduce the impact of the Aubrey Mountain Fire, which closed OR 58 near Oakridge on August 7. The wildfire reached 35 acres and caused evacuations in the area, temporarily shutting down a key route for travel and freight. ODOT crews were able to reopen one lane of the highway by the following afternoon, using a pilot car escort.
Earlier in the spring, ODOT crews in Oakridge worked with a contract tree service for three to four weeks between mileposts 37 and 39 to remove hazard trees. This work was part of over four years of hazard tree management along that corridor. By clearing forest fuels, these actions slowed the fire’s spread and intensity.
The cleared area also made it safer and quicker to reopen OR 58. It allowed space for firefighting equipment and reduced hazards from falling trees. Without this preparation, officials said that reopening would have taken longer and posed greater risks to both travelers and firefighters.
“Some of this work has been supported through a federal Good Neighbor Authority grant, which allows us to partner with the U.S. Forest Service on projects that support forest health and public safety. But even with grant funding, it’s our own crews, equipment, and time that make the work possible.”
“Events like the Aubrey Fire are a clear reminder that proactive maintenance directly protects Oregon communities.”
Despite ODOT’s ongoing funding challenges, most projects will continue because they are funded through separate state or federal programs that cannot be used for regular maintenance or operations. More information about ODOT’s funding situation is available on their website: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/pages/funding-crisis.aspx.
For current road conditions or traffic alerts, travelers can visit tripcheck.com or call 5-1-1.
