The Oregon Department of Transportation confirmed that OR 229 remains completely closed between mileposts 14 and 15, near Kernville and Siletz, after a massive slide on Dec. 12, 2025. The damage wiped out sections of the highway, leaving the route unsafe for any traffic. Motorists and commercial drivers are being directed to use U.S. 101 as the primary alternative.

According to ODOT, the situation is far more complicated than clearing debris and reopening lanes. The roadway itself was destroyed, and the surrounding terrain continues to pose risks.

“Water continues to be one of the biggest challenges at the site and is a key factor affecting the timeline to reopen the highway,” ODOT said. “Saturated ground conditions limit access and increase the risk of additional movement or new slides. The project team is looking at ways to help the area dry faster, but it’s too early to know what options might work.”

Rebuilding Timeline Remains Unclear

State engineers and geotechnical specialists are still studying the slide area, but officials caution that firm timelines are not yet possible.

“ODOT engineers and geotechnical experts continue to evaluate the site,” ODOT said. “There are still many unknowns, so it’s too early to set a detailed timeline. Based on what is known right now, fully rebuilding OR 229 is expected to take years. The team will continue to assess over the winter months as conditions allow.”

ODOT described the landslide as highly complex, with different types of movement across the affected area. Some sections shifted as large blocks of soil and rock, while others liquefied into mud due to heavy saturation. Because of the instability and the risk of further movement along the edges of the slide, crews cannot safely access the site on foot.

Outside experts are assisting ODOT in evaluating the full scope of the damage and identifying possible paths forward. Assessments will continue as weather and ground conditions permit, with potential repair strategies and timelines to be outlined once enough data can be gathered safely.

What Drivers Need to Know

At this time, there is no local detour around the closure. ODOT has developed a long-term detour plan and is reviewing possible short-term solutions. Crews are currently installing detour signage, and updated routing information will be posted on TripCheck.com once signage is complete.

For truck drivers and others who regularly travel through Lincoln County, the closure represents a significant disruption. ODOT emphasized that reopening the route will require extensive analysis, design work, funding, and construction comparable to building an entirely new roadway.

The agency said it will continue monitoring conditions and sharing updates as more information becomes available.

Source: The Trucker

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Seasonal Hours-of-Service Exemption

Proposal Overview

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has requested a seasonal adjustment to hours-of-service rules to accommodate winter pressures. Specifically, they are seeking approval for a seasonal exemption lasting from December 15 through March 15 annually. During this period, drivers would be allowed to:

• Drive up to 12 hours per day.

• Remain on-duty for 15 hours per day.

• Replace the 34-hour restart rule with a 24-hour restart rule for weekly on-duty limitations.

Under current federal regulations, truck drivers are restricted to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour time frame after taking 10 consecutive hours off. The proposed modifications aim to give the propane industry greater flexibility in managing harsh winter conditions.

Why It’s Needed

According to the NPGA’s exemption application, the adjustment is essential for ensuring propane delivery during emergencies. They cite challenges faced in the winter of 2024-2025, which was noted as the harshest in over a decade.

“The winter of 2024-2025 was the most disruptive in 11 years,” NPGA stated. “Extreme cold snaps, polar vortexes, ice storms, and other winter weather affected significant areas of the United States between early January and late March. Major significant pipelines went on allocation, restricting the capacity to get fuel to homes. Storage levels close to affected communities ran empty. Roads remained unpassable for days, and states restricted all commercial driving on roads … As a result of these needs, long- and short-haul drivers often reach the maximum operating limits … within four days.”

FMCSA is asking stakeholders to weigh in on this proposal before the July 31 deadline. To make your voice heard, visit Regulations.gov and enter Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0125.

Agricultural Operations Exemption

Proposed Adjustment

Indiana-based Protein Transport, a company focused on poultry hauling, has filed for a waiver that would allow its operations to fall under the agricultural exemptions in FMCSA’s hours-of-service regulations. These exemptions currently apply to drivers transporting agricultural products within a 150 air-mile radius.

Protein Transport argues that supply chain disruptions, including those caused by the ongoing avian flu outbreaks, have made it difficult to retain enough qualified drivers to meet their operational demands.

Safety Measures

The company has assured FMCSA that its exemption request will not compromise safety. Protocols outlined in its application include:

• Regular vehicle inspections every 10,000 miles.

• Routine oil changes every 15,000 miles.

• Encouraging drivers to notify management if they feel the need for a break while on the job.

FMCSA is accepting public feedback on this proposal through July 31. Comments can be submitted via Regulations.gov by entering Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0103.

CDL Testing for Martha’s Vineyard Drivers

Unique Local Challenge

The Massachusetts Department of State Police is lobbying for a change to CDL testing requirements for residents of Martha’s Vineyard. Due to infrastructure restrictions, the island lacks road configurations that allow for the two sets of lane changes mandated in the current CDL skills test, which includes:

• Signaling appropriately during lane changes.

• Demonstrating safe decision-making while merging, passing, or entering traffic.

The Case for an Exemption

State police officials argue that there are no feasible alternatives for conducting the prescribed lane-change maneuvers on the island. Amending this requirement would make it easier for their residents to obtain necessary licensure without compromising safety.

FMCSA welcomes feedback on this exemption request until July 31. Interested parties can submit comments through Regulations.gov using Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0101.

Employment Application Modernization

A Bold Proposal

CloudTrucks, a Dallas-based motor carrier, has asked FMCSA for an exemption from traditional employment application requirements. The existing process requires employers to collect extensive details from driver applicants, including:

• Employment history with names and addresses.

• Dates of employment and reasons for leaving.

• Positions held and specifics about alcohol and substance testing protocols.

Instead, CloudTrucks proposes a streamlined alternative involving advanced verification processes. The company plans to utilize national databases such as HireRight’s Drive-A-Check (DAC) report, the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, and other screening programs such as the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS).

Benefits Cited

CloudTrucks claims their approach would simplify hiring while maintaining safety. They note that relying on credible federal databases would reduce administrative burden while accelerating the recruitment process.

“By leveraging verified federal databases, we can recruit drivers faster and improve highway safety while eliminating unproductive paper processes,” the company commented.

Public comments on this request will be accepted until July 31. To submit your input, visit Regulations.gov and enter Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0128.

Source: Land Line Media

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The current facilities will be completely replaced with newly designed, lodge-style rest areas. These modernized stops will feature expanded restrooms with adult changing tables, updated lobbies with vending machines and regional travel information, and outdoor picnic spaces with covered seating. The improvements aim to offer a more comfortable and accessible experience for all travelers.

Construction is expected to last approximately one year, with the rest areas scheduled to reopen by summer 2026.

While these sites are closed, drivers heading south will find the next available rest stop near Florence, Kentucky, off I-71. For northbound traffic in Ohio, the closest open facilities are in Hancock County, south of Findlay. Note that the rest areas in Auglaize County, located north of Wapakoneta, are also set to close this July for similar reconstruction projects.

Meanwhile, the rest areas in Miami County, just south of Piqua, remain closed but are expected to reopen in fall 2025.

This project is part of a statewide initiative to replace buildings at 36 rest areas throughout Ohio. Where space allows, additional parking will be included to better accommodate commercial drivers and travelers alike.

Drivers should plan and adjust their routes accordingly as Ohio continues these widespread infrastructure upgrades.

Source: Truckers News
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