Closure Dates Announced for Road Over Hells Canyon Dam
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
OXBOW – (Release from Idaho Power) Anyone planning to cross Hells Canyon Dam over the next several weeks should plan their trips to avoid hours when the road will be closed. The dam will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians during the following Mountain Standard times:
- June 27–29: Road closed from 7 a.m.–noon and 1–5:30 p.m. Crossing allowed from noon–1 p.m. and after 5:30 p.m.
- June 30: Road closed 7 a.m.–noon and 1–3 p.m. and 3:30–5:30 p.m. Crossing allowed from noon–1 p.m., 3–3:30 p.m. and after 5:30 p.m.
- July 6: Road closed 7 a.m.–noon and 1–3 p.m. and 3:30–5:30 p.m. Crossing allowed from noon–1 p.m., 3–3:30 p.m. and after 5:30 p.m.
- July 7: Road closed from 7 a.m.–noon and 1–5:30 p.m. Crossing allowed from noon–1 p.m. and after 5:30 p.m.
- July 11–13: Road closed from 7 a.m.–noon and 1–5:30 p.m. Crossing allowed from noon–1 p.m. and after 5:30 p.m.
- July 14: Road closed 7 a.m.–noon and 1–3 p.m. and 3:30–5:30 p.m. Crossing allowed from noon–1 p.m., 3–3:30 p.m. and after 5:30 p.m.
The closures are necessary to accommodate a large crane that will be on the dam to move equipment during required testing of the dam’s water outlet and spillgates. Times are subject to change.
Located 21 miles downstream of Oxbow Dam, Hells Canyon Dam is the third and last project in the Hells Canyon Complex. It began generating electricity in 1967 and can generate up to 391,500 kilowatts, making it Idaho Power’s second-largest hydropower facility.
About Idaho Power
Idaho Power, headquartered in vibrant and fast-growing Boise, Idaho, has been a locally operated energy company since 1916. Today, it serves a 24,000-square-mile area in Idaho and Oregon. The company’s goal to provide 100% clean energy by 2045 builds on its long history as a clean-energy leader that provides reliable service at affordable prices. With 17 low-cost hydroelectric projects at the core of its diverse energy mix, Idaho Power’s residential, business and agricultural customers pay among the nation’s lowest prices for electricity. Its 2,000 employees proudly serve more than 600,000 customers with a culture of safety first, integrity always and respect for all. IDACORP Inc. (NYSE: IDA), Idaho Power’s independent publicly traded parent company, is also headquartered in Boise, Idaho. To learn more, visit idahopower.com or idacorpinc.com.
