N. Oregon Coast's Highway 6 Back Open to Two Lanes After Month-Long Traffic Issues

Published 01/16/26 at 6:25 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Tillamook, Oregon) - Oregon Highway 6 is once again open to two-way traffic after nearly a month of landslide damage, lane restrictions, and travel delays.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is urging drivers to remain cautious along this main route to the Oregon coast. Motorists should slow down, watch for flaggers, and be prepared for brief delays as crews install new guardrail on Monday, January 19. Once that work is finished, emergency repairs will be officially complete and flagging operations will end.

The damage began during the December 2025 storm, when a downhill landslide and a sunken roadway surface compromised OR 6 near milepost 35.

ODOT's Mindy McCartt explained more details to Oregon Coast Beach Connection earlier this month.

“OR 6 was fully closed for much of the day on Dec. 19 while crews assessed damage and stabilized the area,” McCart told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. “Later that day, the highway reopened to one lane of traffic with flaggers alternating traffic through the work zone.”

Since that time, they were able to keep Highway 6 open but restricted to one lane and with 24/7 flagging. Then, out of the blue, a new issue popped up early in January and shut the entire road down again for a day.

Highway 6 to Oregon Coast Declared an Emergency Situation by Washington County - The move will hopefully initiate federal assistance

“While crews were working, a new crack developed in the open lane,” McCart said. “For safety, crews temporarily closed the highway to address the issue and build a temporary lane.”

This meant some impromptu, major rebuilding. Indeed, early on in the closure they had announced the highway would likely be open again by the end of the day.

Since then, crews have worked continuously to restore the highway. Emergency repairs included building a temporary lane to keep traffic moving with the help of 24/7 pilot cars and temporary signals, removing slide debris, rebuilding the roadway base, and repaving and restriping the surface.

Washington County declared their portion of the highway an emergency, hoping to snag additional funds to help shore up the roadway permanently.

In the meantime, the worst of the traffic headaches to this part of the Oregon coast should be over - at least for awhile. See the project website.

ODOT publicly thanked its partners - Pihl Excavating, AAngels Traffic Control, Brix Paving, and Columbia River Contracting - for their rapid response and extensive work to rebuild the damaged section and restore full access.

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

What's Old is New Again on Oregon Coast: Inn of the Four Winds Reopens As New...
Some of the biggest ocean views in Seaside, historical charm. Hotel reviews, lodging

40 Years Now, Oregon's Kiwanda Coastal Properties Celebrates with Time Trippi...
A photo contest digs back through decades of Pacific City history. Pacific City hotel reviews, Pacific City hotel news, specials

Summer's Surprise Rate Drops in July On Oregon Coast Include Lincoln City Bea...
20 percent some vacation rentals in the heat of July's highest rates. Lincoln City lodging specials, Lincoln City hotel reviews

Oregon Coast Hotels
Oregon Coast Hotels and hotel reviews: Astoria hotels, Seaside hotels, Cannon Beach hotels, Manzanita hotels, Nehalem hotels, Wheeler hotels, Rockaway Beach hotels, Garibaldi hotels, Tillamook hotels, Oceanside hotels, Pacific City hotels, Lincoln City hotels, Depoe Bay hotels, Newport hotels, Waldport hotels, Yachats hotels, Florence hotels, Reedsport hotels, Winchester Bay hotels, Coos Bay hotels, Bandon hotels, Gold Beach hotels, Brookings hotels

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted