Highway 6 to Oregon Coast Declared an Emergency Situation by Washington County

Published 01/08/26 at 5:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Hillsboro, Oregon) - Washington County officials Wednesday declared a State of Emergency following severe landslide damage to Oregon Highway 6 during the December 18 winter storm, a move they say is necessary to address mounting safety and economic concerns. (Photos ODOT)

Currently, a roughly 11-mile stretch of this main highway to the Oregon coast is reduced to a single lane within the county, creating major disruptions for residents, businesses, freight haulers, and emergency responders. Among the recent incidents: a sudden shift in the ground and more road cracks this weekend caused the majority of Highway 6 to be shut down so crews could work on this new emergency situation.

Much of the highway is actually in Tillamook County, but Washington County essentially raised a white flag and hopes to initiate federal assistance.

Commissioner Jerry Willey described the corridor as being in “serious disarray,” noting that it had been that way for quite awhile.

“OR 6 plays a vital role in connecting our communities and supporting commerce,” said Washington County Board Chair Kathryn Harrington in a press release. “This emergency declaration underscores the importance of this route to our economy and quality of life. We are committed to working with ODOT and state leaders to ensure repairs are completed quickly and that long-term safety improvements remain a priority.”

County leaders said that Highway 6 is a critical link between the Oregon coast, Washington County, and the Portland metro area, one that supports tourism, freight movement, and daily commuting for families. With no practical detours available, lane restrictions have led to longer travel times, delayed emergency responses, and reduced access for businesses. The impacts extend beyond Washington County, affecting Tillamook, Clatsop, and Columbia counties.

N. Oregon Coast's Highway 6: Why It Was Abruptly Closed for the Day This Weekend - A new roadway arose with more sunken asphalt

“This declaration does two critical things,” Willey said. “First, it urges the Governor and Legislature to access any available federal funds to support long-term safety improvements. Second, it calls on state leaders to prioritize OR 6 for state and federal funding to implement the safety improvements recommended in the OR 6 Wilson River Highway Corridor Study (2023).”

That study identified 18 “priority unstable slopes” along the route, with estimated project costs ranging from $38 million to $49.4 million. In it, officials recommended utilizing state resources such as the State Highway Fund, or federal programs like the All Roads Transportation Safety Program.

Oregon Coast Highway 101 / Coast Range Traffic

Transportation officials recommended using state resources - such as the State Highway Fund - or federal programs like the All Roads Transportation Safety Program to advance the work.

Although Highway 6 is an Oregon Department of Transportation facility, county officials said the declaration signals their support for ODOT’s repair efforts and their push for long-term safety investments.

The emergency declaration remains in effect through April 6, 2026.

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