Intense Snow Closes I-5 Freeway in Oregon and Northern California

Emergency shelter is available for travelers at the Jackson County Expo Center, located off I-5 exit 33 in Central Point.

Salem-News.com file photo

(ASHLAND, Ore.) - Southbound Interstate 5 is closed at Ashland exit 14. Police say traffic had been held up since 5:00 PM as Oregon Department of Transportation crews worked to clear the pass of snow and assist motorists that had spun out along the highway. However, once the pass was ready to reopen at 6:30 PM, snow conditions in California led to a full closure.

Emergency shelter is available for travelers at the Jackson County Expo Center, located off I-5 exit 33 in Central Point.

According to Oregon Department of Transportation District Manager John Vial, northbound traffic is being held in Redding, California, although motorists in Yreka and points north of the closure can still get over the pass.

"Right now, we're waiting to hear back from California," said Vial. "We got hit with another snowstorm and it looks like they are taking the worst of it right now."

Earlier today, ODOT closed Oregon 138E from the Diamond Lake Resort east to U.S. 97; closed Oregon 62 at Prospect east to the Crater Lake National Park entrance; and closed the entire length of Oregon 230.

Road condition updates are available by calling 511 or you can visit the Salem-News.com Road Report online or visit Tripcheck.com.

Road and weather information can be accessed toll-free within Oregon by dialing (800) 977-ODOT (6368). Outside Oregon, dial (503) 588-2941. California road conditions are online at the Caltrans Web site or by calling 511 within California or (800) 427-7623 outside the state.