Safety projects on OR 82 wrap up in time for winter
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, November 10th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
WALLOWA COUNTY – The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) reports that safety projects along Oregon Highway 82 have concluded for the winter. These included rockfall repairs near Lostine at milepost 57, along with 27 culvert repairs between Minam and Joseph. No additional projects of these types are currently planned for the season.
For more details, see the full report from ODOT below:
(Press release from the Oregon Department of Transportation)
Crews have wrapped up rockfall and culvert repairs on OR 82. Both projects fixed damage from past storms and aging structures, helping prepare the highway for winter.
Rockfall barrier repairs at Wade Point
ODOT crews completed rockfall repairs near Lostine at milepost 57 on Sept. 22.
In December 2024, heavy rain sent rocks and debris onto the highway after a section of the slope above the road failed. The remaining rock face was left unstable and at risk for additional slides.
This project qualified for funding through the FHWA Emergency Relief Program (ER) as part of a statewide storm event that triggered federal assistance. The program covered 100 percent of initial cleanup and 90 percent of permanent repairs. ODOT District 13’s maintenance and operations budget covered remaining costs.
Right after the slide, crews moved quickly to restore safe travel and prevent further damage. They removed debris and set temporary concrete barriers behind the damaged barrier. They also replaced two broken rock fence posts so the fence could be re‑stretched and put back up.
For permanent repairs, crews:
- Replaced about 700 feet of old barrier‑mounted rock fence.
- Put in a new 42‑inch barrier.
- Added a new rockfall fence.
- Mounted a continuous rockfall screen on top of the new barrier to catch falling rocks and debris.
- Installed new guardrail at both ends of the barrier.
- Completed minor paving to match the existing road.
With repairs complete, this new system provides stronger, long‑lasting protection against future rockfall.
Culvert repairs
A contractor cleaned and repaired 27 culverts between Minam and Joseph. These structures move water under the highway and help protect it from flooding and erosion. Keeping them in good condition improves safety and extends the life of the highway.
These culverts were selected after inspections showed they were in poor or critical condition and needed to be repaired or replaced.
Work began Aug. 3 and was scheduled to be completed by Oct. 19. However, several culverts were more damaged than expected and had to be replaced, extending the project through the end of October.
Funding for the nearly $1 million project came from the Major Culvert Maintenance program.
No additional culvert maintenance projects are currently scheduled for this route.
Together, these improvements will help make this stretch of OR 82 more reliable. Crews will continue to monitor the sites through winter to ensure continued safety.
