July 15, 2021 3:40 a.m.

Crews are working to reopen Oregon 138E affected by the Jack Fire, perhaps by this weekend.

Gary Leaming of the Oregon Department of Transportation said the road has been closed since the afternoon of July 5th between Steamboat and Slide Creek. That 17-mile section stretches from milepost 38 to milepost 55. Leaming said the Jack Fire is now burning away from the North Umpqua Highway. He said it caused minimal damage to the highway as compared to previous fires in the scenic corridor.

ODOT Interim District Manager Jeremiah Griffin said, “The fire burned in steep, rocky terrain but we didn’t have nearly as many big trees fall across the highway as we’ve seen in previous fires”.

Several hazard trees and other debris caused by the fire are still on or near the highway, but crews are working quickly to hit the weekend reopening goal.

Leaming said crews are evaluating burnt signs and sections of guardrail and are making plans for their replacement. ‘

Motorists can also expect frequent delays throughout the summer between Idleyld and Steamboat and near Diamond Lake, due to rehabilitation work on last year’s Archie Creek and Thielsen wildfires.