I-84 indefinitely closes; officials warn of slow traffic on Highway 14

Drivers planning to travel Highway 14 this week will see increased traffic thanks to the Eagle Creek fire.

Oregon’s Department of Transportation has indefinitely closed Interstate 84 because of the fire, saying that more than 2,000 trees are in danger of falling onto the highway.

Oregon is diverting traffic to Highway 14. Washington’s DOT said it has closed commerical truck traffic on the highway between Washougal and Dallesport.

Passenger vehicles are OK for travel, but WSDOT warned drivers to expect delays related to smoke. Drivers are prohibited from parking on the shoulders except in emergencies.

The Washington State Patrol took the delay warning further. Trooper Brian Moore said in a news release that drivers should be patient along I-90 and highways 97, 970, 10 and 903 between Cle Elum and Ellensburg.

The Jolly Mountain fire near Cle Elum still is burning, affecting each of those roads. Officials expect full containment is at least a month out.

Moore said conditions could keep changing for weeks and recommended drivers avoid Blewett Pass if at all possible.

This story was originally published September 6, 2017 at 6:10 PM with the headline "I-84 indefinitely closes; officials warn of slow traffic on Highway 14."