McKenzie Highway 242 to reopen later this week after wildfire quelled

The west side of McKenzie Pass Highway 242 is expected to reopen later this week after a nearby wildfire was quelled and state officials clean up the scenic roadway.

The highway has been closed from the junction of Highway 126 and 242, up to McKenzie Pass, for weeks by the Foley Ridge Fire. But after the recent rain, cooler temperatures and progress by firefighters, the highway was reopened by Willamette National Forest on Sept. 29. The previous fire closure was also downsized, allowing most campgrounds and trailheads to reopen.

The gates won't officially open, however, until Oregon Department of Transportation workers complete a safety check on 242.

“Depending on what they find, crews may need to do additional cleanup before opening, or they may be able to open the highway right away