COQUILLE, Ore. – A dusting of snow, measuring just about an inch, led to significant disruptions across western Oregon on the morning of February 5, as icy conditions caused several incidents on local roads.
In Coquille, a driver’s vehicle overturned onto its side early Wednesday morning, due to hazardous ice on a bridge along Highway 42. The incident was captured by TripCheck cameras just after 5 a.m., showing the overturned car. Thankfully, the driver was unharmed, but fuel began leaking from the vehicle into the river below, prompting an emergency response. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon State Police, Coquille Police, and Coquille Fire departments all responded to the scene to manage the situation and prevent further environmental damage.
Julie Denney, a public information officer for ODOT, emphasized the dangers of driving on bridges and overpasses during winter weather. “Ice forms first on these surfaces because of the cold air circulating underneath,” she said. “You have to be extra careful when driving on these types of roads.”
The effects of the winter weather were widespread throughout the region. ODOT’s crews were deployed to monitor conditions, applying de-icer where possible and plowing areas that were seeing accumulations of ice and snow. Denney also urged motorists to exercise caution and avoid traveling in hazardous conditions, particularly around the Siskiyou Pass, a known trouble spot during storms.
“It’s pretty dangerous out there,” Denney noted. “But if you do have to drive, make sure that you watch your speed, give yourself extra space, and be prepared for potential closures. If you get stuck in your car due to a crash or a downed tree, you could be stranded for hours.”
The snowstorm also caused problems for a Lane County Public Works plow driver on High Pass Road west of Junction City. While clearing the road, the plow snagged a downed power line, trapping the driver inside his truck for nearly 45 minutes. Fortunately, utility crews arrived by 9 a.m. to de-energize the power line and safely assist the driver out of the vehicle.
The incidents serve as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by winter weather, particularly when driving on icy roads or navigating around downed infrastructure. Local authorities continue to urge the public to exercise caution and stay informed of road conditions before traveling during winter storms.
