File:Jake Jensen, transportation maintenance manager.jpg

English: During one of Lane County's most severe ice storms in years, our very own Region 2, District 5 Transportation Maintenance coordinator, Jake Jensen, took a routine road safety check and turned it into an extraordinary rescue mission.

On January 13, around 2:30 p.m., Jensen, returning to Veneta from the coast after assisting a coworker, encountered blocked westbound lanes at the Knowles Creek Tunnel on OR 126W. Recognizing the need for assistance, Jensen, armed with three power saws, extra chains, fuel and an unwavering determination, forged ahead aware he was in it for the long haul.

Alongside passengers from stranded vehicles, Jensen and the makeshift team cleared dozens of fallen trees from Knowles Creek Tunnel towards Veneta, braving extreme fatigue, 18 degree temperatures, freezing rain and darkness. The goal was to create a path just wide enough for vehicles to pass through.

One tree at a time “The frozen trees dulled the chains," Jensen recalled. "I had to rotate my saws, placing them inside the cab of my truck to keep them from freezing up. I went through six sets of bar chains. At one point, I made the decision to turn off my high beams because I could see how many more trees were in our path. I needed to focus on one tree at a time.”

Despite facing challenges, including a tree striking Jensen’s work truck, only damaging the Variable Message Sign and rack, he persisted, leading the convoy of cars behind him.

“As quickly as we were clearing trees in front of us, we could hear trees falling behind and all around us,” Jensen added. At one point, he met three vehicles trying to head west towards Florence. He swiftly turned them around before continuing east.

Over the next six and a half hours, Jensen faced ice-covered trees falling faster than they could be cleared, providing continuous updates to dispatch on the radio. ODOT colleagues dropped what they were doing to help, with Veneta and Glenwood crews working together to clear the path.

A successful rescue mission Against all odds, what began as a road safety check evolved into a rescue mission, saving over a dozen vehicles and numerous passengers. They made it back to Veneta around 9 p.m., ensuring the safety of all stranded individuals.

Jensen, a dedicated 17-year employee, embodied determination, quick action and a get-it-done attitude, turning a hazardous situation into a remarkable display of community. We commend Jensen and all involved crews for their unwavering commitment to public safety.