September 12, 2020 7:20 a.m.

Oregon 138E is expected to remain closed between Glide and U.S. 97 for at least a week due to hazardous conditions related to heavy winds and local fires.

An update from the Oregon Department of Transportation said the Archie Creek Fire had expanded to near 116,000 acres as of Friday, mostly to the north of the North Umpqua River. The highway is also located north of the river. A second fire, the Thielsen Fire is burning near Diamond Lake.

Dan Latham of ODOT said trees, rocks, and debris have fallen into the roadway in several locations, leaving some areas inaccessible. Several sections of guardrail have been destroyed by the fire. Signs and utility poles have also been destroyed. Latham said more than 100 trees are in danger of collapsing onto the roadway. He said the fire has weakened slopes, posing a risk of landslides throughout the coming fall and winter. Bridges will need to be inspected for damage as well.

The update said ODOT is developing short and long-term plans to address these hazards.

Over the next several days, ODOT will monitor the fire and work with emergency services so that crews can maintain access to the area.

Latham said as the fire moves away from the highway, ODOT staff will remove debris in an effort to open the highway to at least a single lane of traffic. This may involve flaggers and pilot cars.

The update said the third phase will likely begin later in the month, when the fire is more contained, and will continue for several weeks or months. This will involve removing hazard trees and addressing weakened slopes. Frequent lane closures are anticipated throughout the fall. Up-to-date information will be posted at www.tripcheck.com.