Polk County, OR – Several rural roads in Polk County remain closed Thursday evening after heavy flooding washed out sections of pavement and left debris along key routes.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Airlie Road remains closed at both Maple Grove Road and Simpson Road as of 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. While water has begun receding near Simpson Road, crews with Polk County Public Works plan to reassess the area this evening before deciding whether it’s safe to reopen. The Maple Grove section will stay closed for now.
Officials also noted that Palmer Road near Falls City has seen significant improvement since Wednesday’s flooding, and a previously stranded vehicle was towed last night. Residents are urged to use caution in the area as more rain is expected tonight and into the weekend.
Authorities added that De Jong Road, which crosses into Yamhill County, remains a concern, with officials urging all travelers in the Ballston area to use extreme caution.
Polk County Public Works reminds drivers that the absence of visible water does not mean roads are structurally sound. Crews continue to inspect all flooded routes for washouts and potential damage before reopening them to vehicle traffic.
Motorists are asked to respect all posted closure signs and remain patient as repair work continues.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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