Governor Kotek Declares State of Emergency after Olympic Pipeline Shutdown

Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency Monday after a leak forced the shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline, which supplies more than 90% of the state’s transportation fuel. KDRV reports the pipeline delivers fuel to terminals in Portland, where it is distributed throughout Oregon, including Southern Oregon gas stations and airports. State officials say the state is not currently experiencing a fuel shortage, but the emergency order allows agencies to coordinate alternative delivery methods, including barges and trucks, to maintain an adequate supply while the pipeline is offline. State officials warn that Oregonians may see higher gas prices in the coming days, since moving fuel by truck or barge costs more than transporting it through the pipeline. The governor’s directive activates Oregon’s emergency fuel plan and allows the Department of Transportation to temporarily loosen trucking regulations to speed deliveries if necessary. Crews in Washington are still investigating the source of the leak and determining how much fuel may have escaped. ...Read more

ODOT Urges Communities to Drive Safely During Holiday Weekend

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and many Oregonians will be hitting the roads to visit family and friends. The Oregon Department of Transportation reminds everyone that wet, snowy, and unpredictable weather could quickly turn travel plans upside down if you’re not prepared. ODOT crews will be out working through the holiday plowing snow, clearing debris, managing traffic, and responding to weather impacts. With traffic increasing and winter conditions setting in, they are asking travelers to do their part. Please slow down, be patient, and give crews plenty of room whether crews are plowing, flagging traffic or doing emergency response work. During this holiday week, expect delays, check conditions before your trip, and watch for message signs providing critical road updates like chain requirements, weather hazards, and delays. Drivers are also reminded to prepare for winter driving by carrying chains and packing water, snacks, warm clothes, blankets, medications, and anything you’d need if traffic slows to a crawl. Drive for the conditions, give snowplows room, watch for people walking and biking, and always choose a sober, focused, and alert driver. ...Read more

OSP, Emergency Units Responded to Fatal Two Vehicle Crash on Interstate 5

Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 62, in Josephine County Saturday. At 2:04 a.m., the preliminary investigation indicated a Chevrolet S10, operated by Annette Dea Dimmick, 34, of Grants Pass, was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes for unknown reasons. Her vehicle struck a northbound Volvo commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by David Michael Jellison, 68, of Alliance, Ohio, head-on. Dimmick was declared deceased at the scene. Jellison and his passenger, Ceejay Clay, 29, of Warren, Ohio, suffered reported minor injuries and were transported to an area hospital. The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by the Josephine County Sheriff's Office, Rural Metro Fire, Grants Pass Fire, and ODOT. ...Read more