Hazard tree removal work along Highways 62 and 97 picks up, travelers should expect delays

In response to last year’s 242 Fire, the Debris Management Task Force has been clearing ash and debris and hazard trees from affected properties throughout the year. In the next few days, associated tree removal will begin to see an uptick along the most heavily traveled highways in the area as contractors move in to complete the last leg of highway hazard tree removal.

Beginning this week and moving into next, crews are mobilizing to complete work along Highways 62 and 97 near Chiloquin.

With several active work zones and their associated traffic control measures to accommodate lane closures, this will remain a high-activity area for several weeks and travelers should expect delays.

Crews currently have a work zone established near milepost 96 on Highway 62. Next week, more work zones will be added north of Collier State Park on Highway 97 near milepost 243.

To date, Task Force crews have removed more than 2,500 hazard trees throughout the area, many of them within Collier State Park, as part of the 242 Fire cleanup effort. The Task Force expects to remove an additional 2,000+ hazard trees as the operation continues through the year.

We strongly recommend visiting TripCheck for the latest traffic delay updates and using alternate routes to avoid these areas if possible.