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.

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

 

 

Two Stellar Oregon Coast Winter Views at Cannon Beach Include One Sizzling Sp...
Watch king tides, storms from here, walk Lewis 'n Clark history. Cannon Beach lodging, Cannon Beach hotel reviews, Manzanita hotel reviews

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

Manzanita's Ocean Inn Adds More Ways to Preserve, Give Back to Oregon Coast E...
About to become an Ocean Friendly Hotel through Surfrider. Manzanita hotel reviews, Manzanita hotel news

Manzanita Hotel Review: Oregon Coast Inn A New Hotel
Nehalem River Inn is nearly 100 years old. Nehalem Hotel Review

 

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)

New and Freaky Critters at Oregon Coast Aquarium with Amazon Exhibit
20 May 2026 at 11:34pm
Starting May 23 in Newport and going through January. Newport events

Rescue of Paraglider After She Was Caught on North Oregon Coast Cliff
8 Jun 2026 at 12:09am
The hang glider was stuck at Oceanside's Maxwell Point. Rescue, US Coast Guard

NASA Soon to Announce More Plans of Missions to the Moon, Gamma Ray Research
22 May 2026 at 9:34pm
Announcements day after Memorial Day; more on robotic LINK satellite coming. Astronomy, sciences

South Oregon Coast's Food Truck Off and Blackberry Arts Festival Return This Summer
20 May 2026 at 12:34am
Truck-Off August 7 - 9, Blackberry Fest August 22 - 23. Coos Bay events, North Bend events, Charleston events

NASA Outlines Moon Missions, Timelines for 2026
30 May 2026 at 7:01am
Update on Moon Base Rovers, Landers, Missions. Astronomy

Oregon Coast This Weekend: Wildfire, Oil Spill, DUII on the Dunes, Fatal Crash
1 Jun 2026 at 10:05pm
Incidents in Astoria, Winchester Bay, Dune City, Cloverdale, Tillamook. Traffic, crime, US Coast Guard

Two Vehicle Incidents in Different Parts of Oregon Coast Range, One Killed
A fatality near Florence and a bizarre police chase on Highway 6. Traffic

Celebrating 50 Years of Cascade Biosphere on Central Oregon Coast, July 18
12 Jun 2026 at 10:11pm
50th anniversary of its UNESCO designation with a full day and evening. Lincoln City events. History

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