Officials flag OR‑6 landslides and limited cell coverage; ODOT reports emergency rebuild for a 500‑foot section
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Summary
Committee members raised repeated concerns about recurring landslide damage, commerce and safety on Highway 6; ODOT Northwest staff said crews are performing an emergency rebuild of roughly 500 feet with improved drainage and fill, paving the westbound lane was expected in early February, and said fiber work by a private company may help future cell coverage.
Committee members raised ongoing safety and commerce concerns about Oregon Highway 6, which serves as a key connection to Tillamook and coastal communities. Mayor Glenn Kirk and others described repeated slides and a sunken grade, and asked for a clearer account of cumulative repair costs and long‑term solutions.
Stephanie (ODOT Northwest staff) reported that emergency work is underway on an approximately 500‑foot sunken grade section, with crews replacing unsuitable fill, installing culverts to improve drainage and preparing for paving. "They're expecting to pave this week. They're estimating for the westbound lane to be open the first week in February," she said, while cautioning the emergency work may not be a permanent fix for other rough sections beyond the repair zone.
Members asked about cellular coverage gaps along the route; ODOT staff said private fiber installation associated with a planned Tillamook development will make it easier for utilities to add cell infrastructure in the future and that expedited permitting conversations could follow. Committee members asked staff to compile the total public spending on repeated fixes and urged pursuit of federal emergency funds where available.
Next steps: ODOT staff will provide additional photos and cost history for the repaired segment, and the committee will track opportunities to secure more durable funding for structural fixes and broadband/cell coverage improvements.